Need to know your credit card balance? Here's how to check it

Its primary management of money is when you watch your credit card balance. You will avoid overspending by watching your balance closely; you'll ensure timely payments and maintain a good credit score. Let's have a look at how you check your credit card balance and why you should be financially disciplined.

Credit card

Credit cards are usually made of plastic or metal, being financial instruments issued by a bank or other financial organisation. They allow you to borrow money to make purchases, which you pay for later, often using interest. Credit cards can be an easy way to accumulate rewards or cashback and can help you build your credit history if used responsibly.

What is a credit card balance?

This amount which you owe the credit card issuer, is represented as your credit card balance. Such a balance incorporates:

• Items bought.
• Cash advance.
• Balance transferred.
• Charges and fees that are applicable and interest.

Balance decreases with repayment and increases while spending. The balance therefore requires frequent checking, so you won't be spending beyond it and making timely repayments.

Importance of checking credit card balance

1. Pay unpaid invoices: Knowing how much you owe will enable you to budget for timely payments so that you don't incur any interest or late fees.
2. Monitor available credit: The balance reflects how much credit is available to you, allowing you to make prudent, future financial decisions.
3. Detect false transactions: Monitor your accounts closely so that you can report unauthorised or suspicious transactions to your issuer.

What is a refund of a credit balance?

If there is a negative balance on your credit card account-that is, the issuer owes you money-you will get a credit balance refund. This can happen if you return an item after paying the remaining amount or if you overpay your bill. In these cases, the extra money is either paid back to your card or returned to your account.

Methods to check your credit card balance

The easiest ways to monitor your credit card balance are as follows:

1. ATM: To check the balance, go to an ATM and use your credit card. To access this data, you might have to enter your card's PIN.
2. Statements for each month: Whether you get it online or through the mail, your monthly credit card statement gives you a thorough rundown of your balance, transactions, and due dates.
3. Online banking: To view your credit card details, including the balance, payment history, and available credit, log in to your bank's online banking page.
4. Mobile banking app: Most banks offer mobile apps that make it easy and fast to view your credit card balance. Many of these apps also include features like payment reminders and expenditure analysis.
5. SMS banking: You can quickly obtain your credit card balance by sending a short message to a pre-designated number if you have signed up for your bank's SMS services.

In conclusion, checking your credit card balance regularly helps you to handle money better since it is very simple and makes you avoid the debt trap while sticking to the spending plan so that you retain your credit rating. Although these conveniences and flexibilities are presented by credit cards, risks are associated with them as well. Too many expenditures on credit cards pose financial stress, high interest rates, and accumulation of debt.

(Note: Using a credit card carries its own set of risks.)