Tips for managing your credit card

This guide covers how to manage and make the most of your Halifax credit card.

Five key tips for managing credit

1. Limit what you borrow

It's difficult to predict the future, but consider how you’d manage if your circumstances changed. Try to borrow only what you need and think you can realistically afford to repay.

If you’re planning to make a purchase or transfer though, make sure you use any introductory rates while they’re available. That way, you’ll benefit from the lowest and longest lasting interest rates.

More on introductory interest rates

2. Don't go over your credit limit

If you do, your credit score could be affected, which could make it harder to get credit again in the future.

If you need more flexibility, you could ask to change your credit limit, subject to status and security checks. We might also contact you to offer a higher credit limit, but you don’t have to take it if we do.

More on credit limits

3. Make payments on time

You need to make at least the minimum payment detailed on your statement each month, and it must reach us by the due date shown. It’s a good idea to pay as much as you can to reduce your balance and any interest costs. 

If you miss a payment or it’s late, in addition to fees and charges, you could lose any promotional interest rates on your account and your credit score could be affected.

To help you to stay on track, you could set up a Direct Debit to make payments to your credit card account automatically each month, but there are a few payment options available.

 

There are things you can do to help stay on track:

 

If you’re experiencing difficulties making your credit card payments, please let us know so we can help. You’ll find information and support at our money worries page.

4. Know the cost of borrowing

Different rates of interest might apply to parts of your outstanding balance, based on transaction type and whether a standard or promotional rate applies.

Fees could also apply to some accounts and transactions. Additional charges might apply if you don’t manage your credit card account in line with the conditions of your credit agreement.

More on credit card interest

More on fees and charges

5. Check statements carefully

It’s important to check your statements as soon as they’re issued, so you’re aware of your balance and any due payments. You should also check over any recent transactions, fees and charges.

It’s a good idea to keep hold of recent receipts and email confirmations, so you can check them against your statement when it arrives.

More on credit card statements

Using your credit card

It’s useful to understand how a credit card works, and all the ways you can use one.

Managing your credit card online

Mobile Banking app

Join our 7 million app users.

  • Simple and secure sign in.
  • Stay up to date with notifications.
  • Chat to us online.

 

More about our app

QR code to download our Mobile Banking app

Online Banking

Sign in to view or manage your accounts on our website.
 

Sign in now

 

Register for Online Banking

Mobile Banking app

Join our 7 million app users.

  • Simple and secure sign in.
  • Stay up to date with notifications.
  • Chat to us online.

Download app

More about our app

Online Banking

Sign in to view or manage your accounts on our website.

Sign in now

Register for Online Banking

Money worries

We’re here if you need support

If you’re ever finding it difficult to make credit card payments, please let us know so we can help.

Help with money worries

Reducing the cost of your credit

If you are paying more in interest, fees and charges than you are paying back, you may be in persistent debt. 

Help with persistent debt

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