Most people get nervous when it comes to dealing with credit cards. It serves as an easy substitute for money, and if not handled with care, it is very easy to slip into debt without even knowing it. But if handled in a mature and smart way, credit cards can be really beneficial to have in the long run to help you build a good credit score and in emergency situations.

1. Meet your payment deadlines
   The basic and most important thing to remember when trying to stay out of credit card debt is paying off all your credit card bills before the deadlines each month in full. Staying on top of your credit card payments is the most important thing to practice to avoid falling into any debt and avoid any unnecessary interests in your bill amounts.
2. Avoid cash advances
   Cash advances attract a lot of interest on credit cards and are probably among the top reasons people fall into credit card debt. While it may seem like the easiest option when you are in a crunch when it comes to money, in the long run, taking cash advances from your credit card will only put you at risk of owing more money.
3. Don’t spend money you don’t have
   When you are out shopping and see something you like, it can be really tempting to put it on your credit card if it is slightly out of your budget. It is best to avoid such conditions and stick to using your credit card on things you can normally afford so as to avoid falling into unnecessary debt. Instead, it is a better idea to save up for future instances of spontaneous purchases so you won’t have to feel guilty about spending too much.
4. Don’t give your credit card to anyone
   People often give away their credit cards to their friends or family members to use, which takes away your control over their expenses. This can put you in a really tough spot if the person who has your credit card goes slightly overboard with their spendings. In most situations, it is a good idea to just politely deny them from using your credit card instead of giving it to them and later regretting it.
5. Avoid having multiple credit cards
   If one credit card is enough to put someone in a pile full of debt, don’t even get us started on what multiple credit cards can do to your financial situation. If you find yourself struggling with managing the payments of just one credit card, having more than one puts you at risk of falling into a deeper pit of trouble than one credit card does. While it can be tempting to have a bigger credit score, opting for a second credit card should come after you have the confidence that you can manage one without falling into debt. If you are already falling behind on your credit card payments on one card, getting a second one is not right for you.