 TITLE: How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly CONTENT: 1\\. Always Pay on Time\n----------------------\nPayment history influences your credit score more than any other factor. On top of the late fees and other penalties you might face, a late credit payment neglected for just a single billing cycle (about 30 days) could result in a negative report sent to credit bureaus that will stay on your record for the next seven years.\nSimplify your monthly payments as much as possible to eliminate errors of both memory and money: Set phone and calendar reminders for your due dates, or schedule one day a month to pay all your bills in one sitting. Even better: Set up automatic payments so you know at least your minimum amount due is paid on time (you can easily add extra payments during the month or set your autopay for a higher amount). Your goal is to make paying bills a relatively stress-free, organized routine; that way, payments can factor neatly into a monthly budget and won't be accidentally overlooked.\nLuckily, you can still protect your credit score from payment mishaps if you react quickly. As soon as you realize a credit card payment is overdue, pay it immediately. If you do so before your next billing cycle closes, your credit won't be affected—but you could still be on the hook for late fees or penalty APRs. Contact your credit card company to find out if they can forgive any penalties and fees. And if you're having difficulty making on-time payments on a regular basis, ask your lender for assistance; they might be able to suggest options, like alternative payment plans. END