How your Credit Card can help ease pandemic pressure

2-3 min read Publish Date: 2021/08/19

How your Credit Card can help ease pandemic pressure

2-3 min read Publish Date: 2021/08/19

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How your Credit Card can help ease pandemic pressure

Thousands of South Africans are still facing the challenges caused by job losses during the pandemic. At times like these, it can be tempting to live on credit, at least until things get a little easier. While this may provide some relief, it's certainly not a long-term solution.

The good news is that using your credit card wisely can actually help you get by, without adding to any debt you may still be paying off. In fact, it comes in handy for unexpected costs.

Here are a few ways that you can use your credit card to ease the financial burden.

Use your credit card for essentials only

A good way to avoid relying on your credit card is to save it for essentials only. This includes groceries, petrol, and water and lights, for example. Doing so will help you cover basic costs and you won’t be tempted to splurge on impulse buys.

Manage your credit limit

Do you find it hard to resist the temptation to splurge? Consider decreasing the amount on your credit card limit. This will also help you limit your credit card use to essentials only, as these items tend to cost less than luxury items. Adjusting your limits is easy: simply log on to your African Bank App, navigate to Cards, and tap "Manage limits".

Make it a priority to pay off debt

The pandemic has caused so much stress for everyone. The last thing you want to worry about is credit card debt. Make it a habit of paying your credit card bill on time and in full. Not only will you improve your credit score, but you'll avoid carrying over your balance from one month to the next.

Use your App to manage your card

Do you find it hard to keep up to date with your credit card payments, balances, and limits? Don't stress! Try doing all these things on your banking App. You're able to:

increase or decrease your limits
pay your bill
cancel your card
activate your new credit card
get your statement, and so much more.

It's easy because all you need is your phone and it's safe.

The pandemic hasn't been easy financially. So, it's important to use every weapon in our arsenal to make life that little bit easier. Don't overlook the potential of your credit card to lighten your load.