❌ Mistake 1: Paying Only the Minimum Amount Due

केवल Minimum Due Amount भरना

Most credit card statements give you two options:

  • Total Amount Due
  • Minimum Amount Due (usually 5–10% of the total)

👉 Some users think minimum due भर देने से बाकी पैसे automatically माफ़ हो जाते हैं।
Reality: Wrong.

If you only pay the minimum:

  • Interest keeps adding on the remaining balance (at 30–40% annually!)
  • Debt grows silently every month
  • Your credit score may still suffer

✅ Better Option: Always try to pay the full amount before the due date.

❌ Mistake 2: Missing Your Due Date

Payment Due Date भूल जाना

Credit card companies charge:

  • Late Payment Fee (₹500–₹1500)
  • High Interest
  • Credit Score Impact

Due date miss करना सिर्फ पैसे की बात नहीं है—यह आपकी credit history को भी खराब करता है।

📅 Use auto-pay, set reminders, or mark your calendar to never miss a payment.

❌ Mistake 3: Overspending Just to Earn Rewards

सिर्फ रिवॉर्ड्स के लिए ज़्यादा खर्च करना

Yes, rewards and cashback feel great. But…

Spending ₹10,000 just to earn ₹200 cashback = not a smart deal.

👉 कई लोग rewards के चक्कर में ऐसे खर्च करते हैं जो उन्हें जरूरत नहीं है। इससे monthly budget बिगड़ जाता है और unnecessary debt बढ़ सकता है।

✅ Use credit cards for essential and planned purchases only. Rewards should be a bonus—not the goal.

❌ Mistake 4: Using Too Much of Your Credit Limit

अपनी Credit Limit का ज़्यादा हिस्सा इस्तेमाल करना

This is called High Credit Utilization Ratio.
For example:

  • Your credit limit is ₹1,00,000
  • You spend ₹90,000 regularly
    That means you’re using 90% of your limit.

👉 Banks consider it risky. इससे आपका CIBIL score गिर सकता है—even if you pay on time.

✅ Try to use 30% or less of your credit limit.
That means: ₹30,000 spending on a ₹1,00,000 limit.

❌ Mistake 5: Withdrawing Cash Using Credit Card

एटीएम से Credit Card का Cash निकालना

Many people think:

“Need emergency cash? Let’s use the credit card at the ATM!”

🚫 Big mistake.

Here’s why:

  • No interest-free period on cash withdrawals
  • High processing fee (2–5%)
  • Interest starts immediately (no waiting)

उधार तो मिल जाता है, लेकिन repayment बहुत महंगा पड़ता है।

✅ Use credit card cash withdrawal only in extreme emergencies. Prefer personal loans, UPI credit, or borrowing from friends first.

🧠 Bonus Tips to Stay Credit Smart

  • ✅ Track your spending weekly
  • ✅ Use apps like CRED or your bank’s credit card app
  • ✅ Don’t lend your card to others
  • ✅ Avoid applying for multiple cards at once
  • ✅ Check your statements every month for fraud

🏁 Conclusion: Use Credit Cards, Don’t Let Them Use You

A credit card is a tool, not free money.
अगर आप इन common mistakes से बचते हैं, तो credit card आपकी financial life को strong बना सकता है।

Use your card to build credit, earn rewards, and increase financial trustworthiness—not to get trapped in hidden debt.