The holiday season has arrived and with it comes lots of shopping days. Presents, food, and activities will bump up spending for many of us during this time of year. While it’s important not to overspend over the holidays, using a good credit card from a trusted bank can actually help to improve your credit score, save money, make for an easier shopping experience, and help you stay on budget.

  

Earn rewards while you shop with one of Valley’s rewards credit cards.

  

To ensure you’re making the most of your credit card over the holidays, consider these smart tips the next time you go shop. 

        
   

1. Using only one credit card

Limit your purchases to one card so that you can easily track your holiday purchases and stick to your budget. Using only one card means that you can easily monitor your card activity and quickly identify and correct any suspicious behavior. 

 

2. Build your credit

If you are trying to build your credit score, it is a sound idea to use your credit cards consistently and frequently. Make sure you pay your bill each month or this strategy may backfire. Give careful attention to how much you are charging to make sure you can pay off the balance right away to get the maximum boost.  

 

3. Avoid using store cards

Don’t be tempted by store credit cards this season. We’ve all been at the register when you’re offered 20% off today’s purchase if you open an account. It may sound great at first but be wary. Those deals don’t usually add up in the long run. With typically higher interest rates than bank credit cards, if you carry a balance for a few months you may end up spending more than you saved on interest and fees. It’s a much safer bet to use your trusted bank credit cards many of which have rewards and cash back offers that are just as enticing.

  

4. Avoid using a debit card online

The holidays are a busy time for bad actors, and it pays to be extra cautious about security this time of year. Online purchases save a lot of time and effort, but make sure your finances stay secure by taking extra steps to protect yourself. Debit cards are linked directly to your checking account, and money that is stolen directly from your bank account can be more difficult to recoup. Instead, opt for a credit card for your online purchases as most major credit cards will have theft-protection guarantees.

   

5. Consider linking to third-party payment processors  

If you do a lot of your holiday shopping online, you may want to consider using a third-party payment processor such as PayPal or Google Checkout. You can link these accounts to your credit card, and then you don’t have to enter your credit card number every time you make a purchase. This is not only convenient but can also protect you from having your credit card number stolen.