6.2 When you can use your credit card

There are a number of issues that will affect when you can use your credit card. We will talk you through these in likely order of occurrence.

The first thing that will affect when you will be able to use your card will be down to the credit card company.

You will only be able to start using your credit card once they have sent you the credit card and, if it’s Chip and PIN enabled, your personal identification number (PIN).

Once you have the credit card, and PIN if applicable, you will then be able to use your credit card after you have activated it as described in section 6.1 ‘Activating your credit card’.

This is providing that the credit card is ‘in date’. Your credit card will have a ‘valid from’ and ‘expires end’ date and it is only between these dates that you will be able to use your credit card.

The next possible issue that could affect when you can use your credit card will be whether or not the merchant you are trying to purchase from accepts credit cards. If the merchant does accept credit cards it may well charge you an extra fee when you use your card to cover the extra costs it encounters when obtaining the payment from your credit card account.

Some merchants will allow you to use your credit card for free so long as you spend over a certain amount (usually between £5 and £15).

Your credit limit will also affect when you can use your credit card. If you have reached your credit card limit and try to make a large purchase, your card will probably be declined. Plus, you will be charged a penalty fee by your credit card company for going over your credit limit and will get a ‘black mark’ on your credit report, which will affect your credit rating.

If you don’t have enough funds remaining on your credit card to cover your purchase, your card may be declined. This could potentially be very embarrassing for you at the checkout.

The last thing that is likely to affect when you can use your credit card is if you have any disabilities which make it very difficult or impossible for you to use the equipment involved in the transaction.

More information about card payments and chip and PIN for people with disabilities can be found on the official Chip and PIN website.

Back to Guide to Credit Cards Contents

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