Hello fellow Malaysians! Let's talk about credit cards.

We all know that plastic can be a double-edged sword, but fear not!

There are ways to maximize profits and avoid debt.

Let's dive into some credit card hacks that might surprise you and put some extra cash back in your pocket.

1: Free to sign up? Yes please!

We hear you.

Who doesn't like free stuff?

Many banks offer attractive welcome gifts only when registering a new card.

Imagine appreciating a great new line of luggage or great tools just for signing on the dotted line.

But wait, here's the catch (as always, right?).

Before you get too excited, make sure you understand the terms.

Usually, to receive a gift, you have to spend a certain amount within a certain period of time.

It's like killing two birds with one stone - you get a free gift and meet the minimum spend requirement (which you probably do anyway).

Just make sure it fits your lifestyle and spending habits.

For example, if you travel a lot, a suitcase set might be ideal.

But if you're more of a homebody, a fancy gadget might not be the best choice.

2: Cards Just In Case

Consider your credit cards as trusted toolboxes.

The right card for the right job can save you money in the long run.

Here are the cash score credit cards.

These cards reward you with a percentage of your spending in cash back.

The trick is to find cards that offer cash back on things you've already bought.

For example, if you spend a lot on groceries, a card with a high percentage of cash back on groceries would be ideal.

Want to indulge in online shopping?

Find a card that rewards online transactions.

The key is to research and compare different cards to find one that fits your spending habits.

Remember that rewards are usually limited to a certain amount each month, so don't go overboard!

3: Be a Spoiled Borrower (It Rules!)

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people fall into this trap.

Always, always, ALWAYS pay your credit card bill in full and on time.

That way you avoid nasty interest payments that can quickly snowball into mountains of debt.

But here's a sneaky tip that most people don't know:

Avoid making several small payments throughout the month.

This can seriously damage your credit score.

Think of it this way:

If you're constantly paying off your balance, it looks like you're not really using the credit you have.

This in turn can lower your credit score (which is bad).

The best strategy?

Let your balance grow throughout the month and pay it off in full by the due date.

This shows that you know how to handle credit responsibly.

4: Zero Interest? Now you're talking!

Let's say you've been watching that brand new TV for a while.

Instead of paying a large sum at once, why not look for a zero-interest repayment plan that some merchants offer with certain banks?

This essentially allows you to split your purchase into smaller monthly payments without racking up additional interest charges.

It's a great way to stock up on that big ticket item without breaking the bank.

Remember, as always, read the fine print!

These plans often have minimal out-of-pocket costs.

For example, a bank may offer an interest-free repayment plan for purchases of RM500 or more.?

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! Here are the balance transfer cards.

These cards allow you to transfer your current credit card balance to a new card with 0% interest for a limited time.

This gives you breathing space to pay off your debt without incurring interest charges.

But here's the important part:

You absolutely MUST repay the transferred balance within the 0% interest period.

Why? Because after the end of this period, you will pay the regular interest rate, which can be very high.

Think of it as a temporary fix, not a free ticket to keep sliding.

Bonus Tip: Don't be intimidated by multiple cards!

Having multiple credit cards can actually improve your credit score if you manage them responsibly.

It all depends on your payment history.

Master the Plastic! 5 Credit Card Hacks to Stretch Your Ringgit in Malaysia

Tired of paying high credit card fees? Malaysians, fret no more! This guide reveals 5 credit card hacks to maximize rewards, snag freebies, and avoid debt traps. Learn how to use cashback cards, score welcome gifts, and conquer 0% interest plans. Discover how multiple cards can even boost your credit score (used wisely, of course). Swipe right for financial freedom!