First time credit card

jonahh1998

Looking at getting a first time credit card purely for emergencies/times when paycheck doesn't last the entire month and wanted to know 2 things:

1. If I was to not use the card at all would I still be charged? Or is it dependent on the credit card?
2. If I was to not use the card would this have a negative impact on my credit score?

emmajones1976

1 - some cards charge annual fees (a few Amex ones do, for example), the vast majority dont. It tells you when applying. 
2 - no. 

Ebe_Scrooge

To expand slightly on the above (very accurate) reply.  If you don't use the card it won't negatively affect your credit history (ignore your score, it's not a factor used in any lending decisions).  But you may find that the card issuer closes the card after an extended period of non-use.  It costs them money to provide you with a line of credit, they make their money by you using the card.  Not by any interest they charge you, but every time you use it, the retailer gets charged a fee - that's how credit card companies make the bulk of their money.

The "correct" way to use a card is to use it for planned purchases, and to ALWAYS pay the statement in full every month when you receive it.  As long as you do that, you won't be charged any interest.  If you fail to repay in full every month, that's when interest starts to kick in.  If you've not had a card before, odds-on you'll be looking at a "credit-builder" card which tend to charge very high interest rates.  So it's really not a good idea to get a card with the intention of running a balance on it from month to month.  If you're sure you'll be able to clear the balance in full every month, then fine.

mcpitman

jonahh1998 said:

Looking at getting a first time credit card purely for emergencies/times when paycheck doesn't last the entire month and wanted to know 2 things:

1. If I was to not use the card at all would I still be charged? Or is it dependent on the credit card?
2. If I was to not use the card would this have a negative impact on my credit score?

Using it "when the paycheck runs out" is a quick way to get into lots of debt. I would suggest looking at your current spending first and figuring out where all the money is going.

If used, you must pay off in full each month, otherwise you are just accumulating debt and living beyond your means in some way.

oldagetraveller1

Are people still paid by cheque (check!)?

emmajones1976

oldagetraveller1 said:

Are people still paid by cheque (check!)?

Surely its just a figure of speech.

penners324

Only in the US because their banking system is so decrepit