Reader’s Question:

Hi, I’m Shiana from New Jersey. Just about three months ago I got my very first credit card. The problem I’m having now is that I can never seem to understand my credit card bills. Can you give me a super easy way of understanding my card statements?

Shiana

Camden, NJ

Credit card statements can be difficult for a lot of people to understand. It can easily be overwhelming with all its information on charges, credits and APRs. Here are some tips on how to easily understand your credit card bills.

The information on your credit card statement includes purchase and new charges. This section shows an itemized listing of all of the charges you’ve made. To make sure that these are accurate, keep all of your receipts every month and compare them on what’s on your statement. Your statement will also include payment and credits where you’ll find details about any previous payments you’ve made, as well as credits you’ve received for returning merchandise. You will also find finance charges, APRs and previous balance on you bill. The finance charge indicates the amount of money you will be charged if you don’t pay your balance in full. The APR means annual percentage rate which fluctuates but shouldn’t vary significantly every month. And then your previous balance, that should line up with your bill form last month. But of course there is an array of things listed on your credit card statement. If you don’t understand any of the other details or you think there are discrepancies on your bill, contact you credit card company in New Jersey immediately. They should willingly take time to explain the finer points of your statement.

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