Most credit cards give you the chance to avoid interest on purchases (in effect, an interest-free loan) if you pay your credit card bill in full by the due date. The period between the date of the purchase and the due date is called "the grace period". To get it, you usually must pay your bill in full every month. When the grace period does not apply to purchases, you will pay interest on the purchases from the date of the transaction. Most credit cards do not give you a grace period on cash advances and balance transfers. You usually pay interest from the date of each cash advance or balance transfer.

If you do not pay in full one month, you will lose the grace period. Typically, you will owe interest from the first day of the billing period in which you did not pay in full. This means that if you paid in full in January, but only paid part of the bill in February, you will pay interest from the first day of February based on the full average daily balance for the February billing period when your bill arrives in March.

If you consistently pay only the minimum on your credit card, it will take you a long time to pay off the balance. You may end up paying a lot of interest. The amount of interest will depend on your APR and the amount of your balance. Pay as much as you can, as soon as you can, and always pay by the due date.

If you do not pay at least the minimum amount due, credit cards will charge a late fee. Paying late may also cause your APRs to increase.

The credit card company will tell you your credit limit when you first get your card. Over time, based on your needs, usage, and qualifications, the limit may change. Your current credit limit appears on your billing statement each month

If you go over your credit limit, you may have to pay a fee. In addition, your APRs may increase. Be aware that you may go over your credit limit even if the transaction is authorized. So keep track of your transactions and how close you are to your limit.

• Annual fees
• Late fees
• Returned payment fees
• Cash advance fees (using ATM or convenience check)
• Balance transfer fees
• Foreign transaction fees
• Expedited card replacement fees

•  If you do not pay your balance in full, pay the remainder off as soon as you can. Do not wait for the due date.
• Keep track of your balance by checking it online or by phone.
• Take into account that interest accrued can put you over your credit limit.

• Schedule automatic payments online, mail payments at least one week before the due date or pay by phone (you may be charged a fee for paying by phone if it involves expedited service).
• Call your credit card company if you are going to pay late; they may offer alternatives.

• Make a budget and be realistic.
• Let creditors know you want to pay. They may help arrange a new schedule.
• Local Consumer Credit Counseling Services can help (800-388-2227).