Do you have a new credit card? Do this as soon as you arrive

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Download the mobile app: Wait, why do I have to do this?

There are actually a lot of reasons! If your credit card issuer offers a mobile app, you can use it to manage your spending, check your monthly statements, report fraud, and more. Here’s why it’s a good idea to use your card issuer’s app:

Easily manage your account

The first reason to install the Cards mobile app is that it makes tracking your cards and spending much easier. You can also activate your card in the app if you receive it before it arrives. If you need assistance, you can contact customer service (possibly via in-app chat). If you lose your card or accidentally damage it, you can lock your account or request a new card. It’s always a good idea to check your spending against your credit limit, and our mobile app allows you to see how much you owe.

Your credit card mobile app also comes with the ability to set up mobile alerts so you can review your statements, check for new charges, and even stop scammers. It’s a big scary world out there, and scammers are trying to get access to your money. If you see a notification about an expense you didn’t claim, you can report it as soon as possible.

You can find ways to get compensation

Chances are one of the reasons you use a credit card is to earn points, cash back, or take advantage of other rewards for regular spending. The card’s mobile app can help here too. Mobile apps from card issuers like Chase and American Express have sections dedicated to deals and offers for cardholders. For example, you might see an offer to get $20 back if you spend $100 or more at a certain retailer.

I don’t recommend using these offers just for the sake of it (spending $100 you didn’t intend to spend to get $20 back is like losing $80). However, if you find a retailer you usually shop at, meaning you want to use it, add the coupon to your card through the app. It’s rare that you can automatically earn cash back or extra points just by shopping at that retailer. Typically, you have to click on the offer to add it to your card.

You can also access your credit score

Some of the best credit cards offer cardholders the ability to access their credit scores. And the best results will give you your FICO® Score. This is especially useful because 90% of lenders take this into consideration when deciding whether you can borrow money (and what interest rate you get). It’s a good idea to prioritize finding cards that offer these underrated benefits. Then you’ll be able to view your FICO® Score wherever you are, right on your mobile app.

Having access to your FICO® score at any time can help you manage your finances. You can see where your score has room for improvement and make any necessary changes (such as improving your ability to repay debt or pay on time). And if you’re preparing to borrow money (by taking out a mortgage, for example), the lender will know where you stand before delving into your finances in depth.

As you can see, the credit card’s mobile app is packed with all kinds of useful features. So when your new card arrives, download the mobile app and put it to good use.

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