It’s easy to get in the habit of using a credit card when you make purchases. It can be a simple and fast way to pay—whether you like the convenience of not carrying cash or are all about earning rewards when you spend.

But what about your other credit card habits? Are you using your card in a way that helps—or hurts—your credit?

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1. Read Your Card Agreement and Know Your Terms

When you open a new credit card account, be sure to carefully read the credit card customer agreement and the account opening disclosures. This way, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to due dates, fees, interest rates, and other information.

2. Make Payments on Time

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains, you should make your payments on time, every time. That’s because your payment history is an important factor when it comes to your credit scores. And missed or late credit card payments can not only affect your credit—they can lead to late fees and interest rate increases, too.

3. Pay More Than the Minimum

Making your credit card minimum payments on time every billing cycle helps you avoid penalties and fees. And paying the minimum keeps your account in good standing. But if you only pay the minimum, you’ll be carrying a balance. And you’ll be charged interest on that balance.

4. Stay Below Your Credit Limit

Only use the credit you really need. Better yet, stay well below your credit limit.

Why? Your credit scores could be affected by your credit utilization ratio—how much of your available credit you’re using. And the lower your credit utilization ratio, the better your credit score might be. In fact, the CFPB recommends using no more than 30% of your credit limit.

5. Check Your Monthly Statements Carefully for Accuracy

Regularly checking your credit card statements—either online or when they arrive in the mail—can be a great way to keep your spending top of mind. It can help you spot transactions you don’t recognize. And that could help protect you from fraud.

6. Report a Lost or Stolen Card Immediately

Report your card lost or stolen if you’re missing your card or think someone stole your account number. When you do, your card issuer will deactivate your old card so no one else can use it. And you can tell the issuer if there are purchases on your account that you didn’t make.

7. Monitor Your Credit

It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your credit. Monitoring your credit can help you keep track of where you stand. And it’s another way to help you spot errors and potential fraud attempts that could be hurting your credit.

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