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Why a spending cap can help you manage your credit card?

Published on November 24th, 2020
  Written by 
Bill Tsouvalas
Bill Tsouvalas is the managing director and a key company spokesperson at Savvy. As a personal finance expert, he often shares his insights on a range of topics, being featured on leading news outlets including News Corp publications such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Fairfax Media publications such as the Australian Financial Review, the Seven Network and more. Bill has over 15 years of experience working in the finance industry and founded Savvy in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible finance options to all Australians. He has built Savvy from a small asset finance brokerage into a financial comparison website which now attracts close to 2 million Aussies per year and was included in the BRW’s Fast 100 in 2015 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He’s passionate about helping Australians make financially savvy decisions and reviews content across the brand to ensure its accuracy. You can follow Bill on LinkedIn.
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Many Australians know what it’s like to struggle with credit card debt and try to find ways to better manage their cards. Choosing the option of adding a spending cap to your card can help you better manage your finances and can give you back control over your finances. Here is what you need to know when it comes to how a spending cap can work for you.

What is a spending cap?

A spending cap is basically a card’s limit that you can use to avoid overspending. When you overspend on your credit card you could potentially increase the interest rate that you owe which in turn can cause you to fall into a debt trap. A spending cap can help you track your spending wisely so that you stick to your limit and gain control. Some cards also offer you the benefit of having a spending cap that can be adjusted every day so that it can help you stick to your budget if ever you go on holiday or shopping.

Using a spending cap to budget

Setting up a budget is one of the money smart things you can do to cut back on overspending. It will also help you see which areas are taking a chunk out of your finances. Choosing a rewards card that can be adjusted for everyday spending can also help you create a budget that can help you target purchases to gain rewards. However, if you find yourself exceeding your set budget to gain more rewards, then it is time to start looking for a card that is suitable for the type of spender that you are. Capping your card to an amount that you know you will be able to pay back can also be helpful when it comes to sticking to your budget.

Using a spending cap to help you save

One of the benefits that come with having a spending cap will help you avoid dipping into your savings to cover your credit card repayments. It is easy to lose track of how much you are spending with your credit card since it isn’t physical money, but with a spending cap, you will be able to be more conscious of what you use your credit card for.

Final considerations

Spending caps are not there to limit your freedom but create more financial freedom. Keep in mind that whatever purchase you make on your credit card will come with the card's interest which can increase your overall monthly repayments. If you find that you are leaning towards your credit card to cover basic everyday expenses, then this could be a sign that it's time to check how you spend your money.

Always remember to compare your credit card options to find a card that comes with affordable rates. The grass can be greener when you compare credit cards that are suitable for you. Also, keep in mind whether your reward card comes with features that you will use.

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This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.

The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.

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