Level down your card.

If you’re paying an annual fee for a credit card with rewards that you don’t use, call your card issuer to see if it could move you to a card that’s a better fit. Switching cards this way means you could avoid a credit inquiry. “That’s a good way to get rid of the annual fee without any repercussions on your credit,” says Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst with LendingTree.

Look into cards with zero percent teaser rates for big purchases.

Many balance transfer credit cards also come with a zero percent introductory annual percentage rate on new purchases, according to a LendingTree report. Such cards can provide some breathing room (often about 12 months) to let you pay off that new refrigerator or car repair over time without interest.

Use automatic payments to avoid being late.

In 2019, the average first-time late fee for credit card accounts was $26, and $35 for those who’d been late in the past. Plus you instantly start accruing interest on any balance once past your monthly interest-free grace period. There’s more: Late payments can ding your credit score. Avoid all these negatives by setting up automatic monthly payments—either through your bank or the credit card company—for at least the minimum amount, or set up alerts to remind you when payments are due.

Stick with a single card.

Look for a credit card option that earns the most possible on every purchase, and stick with it for all your shopping needs. Right now, that’s about 2 percent cash back or 2 points per dollar on a travel card, says Sara Rathner, a credit card expert for the personal finance website NerdWallet. “That way, whenever you use the card, you’re getting a pretty good rate.”

Don’t spend just to get a deal.

Many credit cards offer discounts—with conditions. “Those are great, if they’re on things you were going to buy anyway,” Rathner says. “But buying something you don’t need on sale is not getting a deal.”