The holiday season is just about upon us, as decorations go up, shopping lists grow, and with travel, gifts, dining out and year-end fun – your credit card usage may begin to spike. At First Financial, we want to help you make the most of having a credit card without letting it become a source of stress or debt. With a few smart habits, you can enjoy the convenience and rewards of a credit card and protect your financial health this upcoming holiday season.

1. Pay Your Balance in Full and On Time

When you carry a balance month to month, interest creeps in – and that can turn a festive purchase into a long-term burden. Experts recommend paying the full statement balance whenever possible (or at least more than the minimum) to avoid interest charges. Setting up automatic payments will help ensure you never miss a due date and get charged a late fee, which is one of the largest factors in your credit profile.

Holiday tip: Before you swipe or tap for that festive party or outing, ask: “Will I be able to pay this off when the bill arrives?” If yes, go ahead. If not, consider adjusting your plan.

2. Keep Credit Utilization Under 30%

Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using and it’s one of the key drivers of your credit score. Experts suggest keeping it under 30%.

Holiday tip: If you have one card with a $5,000 limit, aim to keep the balance below $1,500. If you plan on heavy seasonal spending (gifts, travel), consider spreading purchases across multiple cards or paying down running balances before the statement posts.

3. Understand Your Card’s Terms and Fees

Before you rush into holiday spending, take a moment to review your card’s terms, interest rate, penalty fees, foreign transaction fees (if traveling), cash advance fees, and any annual fees or promotional offers. You want to avoid surprises. For example, some cards may charge more if you miss a payment and trigger a higher penalty rate.

Holiday tip: If you’re traveling during the holidays or giving gifts internationally, make sure your card doesn’t charge extra fees for foreign transactions.

4. Automate Payments and Use Alerts

One of the simplest ways to stay on top of your card: Turn on alerts for due dates, when you approach your credit limit, or when a charge posts. These alerts can help you avoid missed payments and the resulting fees.

Holiday tip: Since your schedule may be hectic with shopping, travel, and events, automation and alerts can help ensure that you won’t forget a payment in the rush of the season.

5. Use Rewards Responsibly

Rewards cards are a great perk, they can make your regular spending work for you. But they truly pay off when you’re paying off your balance regularly. Otherwise, the interest you pay may outweigh the reward value.

Holiday tip: Use your First Financial Cash Plus Credit Card to earn rewards on essentials you’d be buying anyway (groceries, travel, gifts) but avoid charging “just for points,” unless you can pay it off right away.

Don’t have one of our Cash Plus Cards? Apply today.*

6. Don’t Miss Out on Welcome Offers, But Don’t Overspend to Chase Them

Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses or introductory offers. These can be worth it, as long as you don’t buy more than you can afford just to qualify. Overspending may cost you more than the bonus is worth.

7. Create a Holiday Spending Plan

Because holiday spending tends to spike, it’s wise to create a mini-budget specifically for the season. Estimate the cost of gifts, travel, meals out, décor, shipping, etc. Then decide how much you’ll put on your credit card and ensure you can pay it off as quickly as possible. Keeping this in mind helps you avoid accumulating a balance that you’re still paying off after the decorations come down.

8. Choose the Right Card and Talk to Us

We offer credit cards designed with your financial well-being in mind. We provide competitive rates, transparent terms, rewards programs, and flexible payment options.* If you don’t already have a credit card with us, or if you’d like to compare your current card to see if we’re a better fit, now’s a great time to reach out.

Why go with First Financial?

Here at First Financial, we’re not just issuing a credit card – we’re also partnering with you in your financial journey.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for giving, gathering, and making memories, and shouldn’t be marred by financial stress. By sticking to a holiday spending plan, you can enjoy the season and maintain strong credit health.

Let us help you make the most of your credit card this holiday season. Visit your local branch to review your options, set up automated payments and alerts, or simply get advice tailored to your spending plan. Here’s to a happy, financially healthy holiday season!

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa® Cash Plus Card when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. This APR is for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Your First Financial Visa® Cash Plus Credit Card will earn cash back based on your eligible purchase transactions. The cash back will be applied to your current credit card balance on a quarterly basis and be shown cumulatively on your billing statement. Unless you are participating in a limited time promotional offer, you will earn 1% cash back based upon eligible purchases each quarter.