What is credit?When you buy something on credit, you take possession of your purchase now and pay for it in the future. At its heart, credit is based on trust – the lender trusts your ability and intent to pay. Your credit history shows how you’ve handled credit in the past, and suggests how well lenders can trust your ability and intent to pay in the future.
Credit allows you to buy something such as a new washer, a car or even a house, while promising to pay for it from future earnings. Credit can also give you access to cash in an emergency, and enable you to consolidate debt to better manage your finances.
Should you use credit?
Factors you should consider
Pro's and con's of using credit
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Cash or credit
What suits you
How credit cards work
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Protect your card
Find out how to minimise the risk of identity theft
Control your finances
Adopt useful methods to avoid debt or improve the situation