Credit cards can be used for a lot of different things.

Your credit cards can help you build a good credit score, protect you from fraud, and give you valuable rewards when you use them wisely. Bad financial habits could hurt you if you don't take care of your cards.

If you want to avoid damaging your credit score, you need to pay your credit card bills in full every month. A sound budgeting system is the key to achieving these goals.

If you have more than one account, you need an easy way to track your credit card use. There are four expert tips that can help you keep an eye on your credit card spending. You can use your credit cards to manage your money if you track your spending correctly.

Track spending with an app

It is wise to set up a system to track your spending so you can stay within your budget.

You can see all of your credit card activity with many apps. There are many of the best.

The Points Guy app

The Points Guy app can be used to track all of your credit cards in a single place. You can see how much you owe on each account, and you can also track your purchases. It's easier to stick to your spending goals when you have this information.

THE POINTS GUY

You can redeem your credit card and loyalty rewards for the most value as you work towards your travel goals by using the TPG app.

Credit card users who want a free, convenient system to manage spending are the best.

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Qube Money

It is more than a money management app. It has a digital money management platform. There is a free version of the app and a premium version that costs $6.50 per month.

Before you can use your Qube Money account, you need tounlock it. You can use a workaround to pay with your credit cards instead of using your debit cards.

The app can be used to track spending and still pay with credit cards. Makequbes with your variable spending goals. Make another qube called "credit card spend." If you use a credit card to spend money from your budget, it's a good idea to transfer the funds from their original account to the Credit Card Spent fund. Cash from your credit card can be used to pay off your credit card balances.

Fans of zero-based budgeting techniques.

Mint

Money management can be done with many different apps. Mint is a popular spending tracker due to its low cost and user friendly interface.

The app gives a bird's eye view of your credit cards, bank accounts and even cash apps. You can review your net worth and spending when it's tracked. Mint can be used to monitor your credit score.

People who want a digital system to track spending are the best.

Sign up for transaction alerts

Signing up for free transaction alert with each credit card issuer is a great way to keep an eye on your credit card spending Depending on your credit card company, you can schedule automatic text or email notifications when certain activities occur on your account.

  • A transaction occurs over a certain dollar amount (that you set).
  • The balance on your account exceeds a certain amount.
  • Your balance gets close to your credit limit.
  • Your monthly due date is approaching.
  • Suspicious activity occurs on your account.

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To see what your card issuer offers, log in to your account. If you notice unauthorized charges on your credit card, account alert can be a good way to avoid credit card fraud.

You should review your credit card statements every month regardless of transaction alert.

Schedule automatic payments

Some people are afraid of going into debt if they miss a payment because of the high interest fees and late charges that come with it. It is possible to make sure you pay your balance in full each month. Automatic payments can be made with each credit card issuer.

You should be able to set up a payment option when you log into your online account.

  • The minimum amount due.
  • Your statement balance.
  • A fixed payment amount.

Paying your balance in full will increase your credit score. When larger payments come out of your bank account, you may want to keep a tighter rein on it.

Setting up a draft for the minimum amount due is a good idea even if you don't want to schedule an automatic payment.

Make multiple payments

Making multiple payments each month is one way to stay on top of your credit cards. There are two big benefits to this approach.

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Budget awareness is the first thing that comes to mind. If you pay your credit cards on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, you'll be more aware of how much you spend. If you set a budget of $600 a month, you can buy groceries. You can keep an eye on how much money is left in your food fund if you make multiple credit card payments throughout the month.

It is possible to maintain a lower credit card utilization rate if you make multiple payments on your credit cards each month.

30% of your score is influenced by credit utilization, which is a significant factor. If you keep your credit utilization rate low, your credit score could benefit from it. You are less likely to default on a debt if you use fewer credit cards.

Bottom Line

The ideal number of credit cards is not something that exists. You need to manage your spending if you want to maintain a good credit score.

It's possible to stay on top of your credit usage. If you find a system that works for you, add some backup protections like autopay.

Your accounts should help you build good credit and earn more rewards if you follow smart credit card habits.

Ryan Wilcox reports additional information.