Remember how our parents always told us not to keep allour money in one place. Whenever I went on school trips, my mother asked me tokeep some money in trousers, some in my bag, and some even in my pencil box!Though I only used the money available in my pocket to buy a cola or two, Ialways had the peace of mind that in case of an emergency or a theft I had abackup in my pencil box! My expenses increased as graduation began and Ishifted to a hostel. But, I still follow my parents’ advice of keeping my moneyin different places remained the same. I carried a wallet, which had enoughmoney to buy a burger from the canteen. For everything else, I kept few hundredrupee notes in my red, yellow and green shirts at the top right drawer of mycupboard in my room, few 50 rupee notes in the old music CDs that no one wasinterested in listening to, and some more money for extreme conditions insidemy table lamp!

Times changed and I got a job that required frequent travel. Being a travel enthusiast I didn’t blink once before accepting the offer though my parents were a little worried about my well-being. I explained the benefits of my occupation to them and I like to believe that I did a decent job in calming them down. But pretty early in my career, I got a reality check on my age-old habit of keeping cash at various places. I had a lunch meeting with a client. The meeting went well, the food was delicious but when it came to paying the cheque, I realised that the jacket I wore was different from the one in which I had stocked some cash. Thankfully my colleague paid for the lunch and we were saved from embarrassment in front of our client. It struck me that this can happen in future as well. I can’t be carrying my backpack everywhere and hence I need to have sufficient money in my wallet every time. But I wasn’t sure how much was sufficient. Plus, I was never a big fan of thick wallets for two good reasons-one, let’s be honest, it’s more of a show-off and two, if it gets stolen, there is no back-up!

My dilemma was eventually solved by the IndusInd Bank Debit Card. With endless benefits and protection against theft or fraud, the IndusInd Bank Debit Card offers you a convenient way to transact at most of the places around the world. My wallet now is even sleeker than before and I don’t have to worry about keeping a check on my jacket’s left pocket or my spectacle case! And with free movie tickets, exciting reward points offers and cashbacks the IndusInd Bank Debit Card is not only a great option for making payments but also a way to enjoy various luxuries of life. Just yesterday, I ordered a kitchen appliance from the reward points I had received through various online transactions. My mother, as always was keener on knowing its price rather than its benefits. I told her that it practically cost me nothing. She is still perplexed how spending through a mere card can earn you a free juicer!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information.

Credit Cards,when used responsibly, are a convenient financial tool. Not only can you use aCredit Card to make purchases, but you can also essentially upgrade yourlifestyle with the right product. Given that a majority of businesses, establishments,restaurants, and hotels accept Credit Cards, they have become a popular way ofpaying for purchases, both online and offline. 

However, there is another good use you can put your Credit Card to – building a good credit profile. If you use your Credit Card responsibly by paying your dues on time, you can create a promising credit history over time.

The Importance of Credit Cards

Credit Cardshave evolved as a secure and convenient payment mode. Benefits ranging from rewardpoints on purchases to the ease of making big-ticket purchases have made CreditCards immensely popular. What’s more, these Cards are excellent credit-buildingtools. All you need to do is find a Card best suited to your needs, use itreasonably, and pay your bills on time.

A credit score is a number that indicates your risk as a borrower and the possibility that you’ll pay your bills on time. If you have a good score, you can easily get additional credit in the form of increased credit lines, mortgages, personal, and consumer loans. When you use your Credit Card in a responsible fashion, your credit score gets a boost.

The Importance of Good Credit History

Your credithistory informs new lenders how responsibly you use credit, and how likely youare to return the borrowed money on time. Thus, the better your credit history,the easier it is to get new loans and lines of credit approved. Good credithistory also eventually paves the way for lower interest rates when you borrow.

Credit historycan involve many elements such as payment history, amount of debt, and a recordof borrowing, utilising, and repaying credit. And more often than not, badcredit history has not fixed itself overnight.

The only way to stop late payments affecting your credit score is by always staying on top of those payments. Focus on maintaining a healthy credit history by making timely payments and settling old debts.

How to Keep Your Credit Score in Good Shape

Only borrow what you can afford

Each time you use your Credit Card, you create more debt. And if you borrow more than what you can pay off each month, it will pile up. Your credit score is directly impacted by how you use your Credit Card. Thus, only borrow as much as you can reasonably pay back on time. This will ensure you have a positive payment history that will help you build good credit.

Pay bills on time

Credit Cards come to your aid when you are faced with unexpected or large expenses. But, you need to pay your bills on time or you will be charged a higher interest on late payments. This means your debt pile rises. If you frequently make late payments, it will eventually hurt your credit history and lower your score.

Don’t apply for too many cards at once

If you have many Credit Cards, you can lose track of their billing cycles, credit limits, and payment due dates. As you now know, late payments are never good for your credit score. Moreover, it can also lead to unnecessary debt resulting from overspending.

Check for inaccuracies in your credit reports

Your credit report contains information about the accounts you’ve had and your complete payment history. To improve your credit, it is important to regularly review your credit report and check for any inaccuracies.

A good creditscore is beneficial in the long run, but building it is a time-consumingprocess. Using Credit Cards to boost your credit score can be an effective wayto improve your score, if you responsibly pay the bills. Create a long andreliable credit history and your credit score will eventually improve.

Find a Credit Card that suits your lifestyle and aspirations, only at IndusInd Bank. Enjoy a world of rewards, privileges, and offers across categories with our Credit Cards.

Credit Cards, when used responsibly, are a convenient financial tool. Not only can you use a Credit Card to make purchases, but you can also essentially upgrade your lifestyle with the right product. Given that a majority of businesses, establishments, restaurants, and hotels accept Credit Cards, they have become a popular way of paying for purchases, both online and offline. 

However, there is another good use you can put your Credit Card to – building a good credit profile. If you use your Credit Card responsibly by paying your dues on time, you can create a promising credit history over time.

The Importance of Credit Cards

Credit Cards have evolved as a secure and convenient payment mode. Benefits ranging from reward points on purchases to the ease of making big-ticket purchases have made Credit Cards immensely popular. What’s more, these Cards are excellent credit-building tools. All you need to do is find a Card best suited to your needs, use it reasonably, and pay your bills on time.

A credit score is a number that indicates your risk as a borrower and the possibility that you’ll pay your bills on time. If you have a good score, you can easily get additional credit in the form of increased credit lines, mortgages, personal, and consumer loans. When you use your Credit Card in a responsible fashion, your credit score gets a boost.

The Importance of Good Credit History

Your credit history informs new lenders how responsibly you use credit, and how likely you are to return the borrowed money on time. Thus, the better your credit history, the easier it is to get new loans and lines of credit approved. Good credit history also eventually paves the way for lower interest rates when you borrow.

Credit history can involve many elements such as payment history, amount of debt, and a record of borrowing, utilising, and repaying credit. And more often than not, bad credit history has not fixed itself overnight.

The only way to stop late payments affecting your credit score is by always staying on top of those payments. Focus on maintaining a healthy credit history by making timely payments and settling old debts.

How to Keep Your Credit Score in Good Shape

Only borrow what you can afford

Each time you use your Credit Card, you create more debt. And if you borrow more than what you can pay off each month, it will pile up. Your credit score is directly impacted by how you use your Credit Card. Thus, only borrow as much as you can reasonably pay back on time. This will ensure you have a positive payment history that will help you build good credit.

Pay bills on time

Credit Cards come to your aid when you are faced with unexpected or large expenses. But, you need to pay your bills on time or you will be charged a higher interest on late payments. This means your debt pile rises. If you frequently make late payments, it will eventually hurt your credit history and lower your score.

Don’t apply for too many cards at once

If you have many Credit Cards, you can lose track of their billing cycles, credit limits, and payment due dates. As you now know, late payments are never good for your credit score. Moreover, it can also lead to unnecessary debt resulting from overspending.

Check for inaccuracies in your credit reports

Your credit report contains information about the accounts you’ve had and your complete payment history. To improve your credit, it is important to regularly review your credit report and check for any inaccuracies.

A good credit score is beneficial in the long run, but building it is a time-consuming process. Using Credit Cards to boost your credit score can be an effective way to improve your score, if you responsibly pay the bills. Create a long and reliable credit history and your credit score will eventually improve.

Find a Credit Card that suits your lifestyle and aspirations, only at IndusInd Bank. Enjoy a world of rewards, privileges, and offers across categories with our Credit Cards.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information.

Yourfirst solo trip can be exciting and overwhelming but plan it right, and it willbe one of the most liberating experiences of your life. Making friends, tryingnew cuisines, exploring unique cultures, getting lost and finding your way back– these experiences make a solo trip a popular add-on to the bucket list ofmost travel enthusiasts.

However, going on a solo trip is easier said than done, especially if it’s your first time. From budgeting to creating an itinerary, there’s a lot of planning to do. But fret not, these simple tips, combined with an Indus Forex Multi-Currency Card, will make it effortless!

Choose your destination

Are you looking for a vacation filled with adventure or a relaxing getaway? Decide on what you want to do, make a list of all the activities you want to indulge in and then narrow down on a location. With the option to load up to 14 currencies and various benefits, an Indus Forex Multi-Currency Card makes for the perfect travel partner for every type of traveller. So you can enrol for scuba diving courses or even take up surf lessons without worrying about falling short of cash.

Chalk out your budget

Research thoroughly and calculate how much money you will need for your trip; accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, food, shopping, activities etc. Prepare a tentative itinerary to get a fair idea about the expenses and allocate a budget and pre-load your forex card with the amount you need. Even if you prefer to go with the flow, carrying the Indus Forex Multi-Currency Card will ensure seamless payments for hotels, restaurants, airlines, and shopping.

Make advanced bookings

Booking flights tickets around four to five months in advance can help you get cheaper tickets. This way, you can save up for the rest of the trip. You can also try more affordable group tours that allow you to interact with fellow travellers and make new friends. Booking tours online will often fetch you discounts and good deals. Hence, it’s wise to carry a forex card as you can use it to make last-minute online bookings. With a multi-currency forex card, you can quickly withdraw cash from any VISA ATM without worrying about waiting in queues or fluctuating currency exchange rates.

Find accommodation close to the action

Depending on your budget, decide if you want to stay in a hotel, traveller’s hostel or a homestay. Next, find accommodation that is close to amenities such as public transport, shops, restaurants and popular attractions. Enjoy the experience minus the hassle of counting change by settling bills, topping up your travel card, buying tickets at tourist sights, and shopping with the Indus Forex Multi-Currency Card.

Get a travel insurance

In case your flight gets cancelled, your luggage gets lost, or any other similar unfortunate events, travel insurance can come to your rescue. Therefore, it is essential to purchase travel insurance and stay protected, especially during a solo trip since you are on your own. The Indus Forex Multi-Currency Card comes with a hassle-free card replacement option in case you misplace or lose your card, so you can always bank on your money being safe and accessible.

Use a forex card

Theseprepaid cards are loaded before you set out on your trip. And since the rate isfixed, you don’t have to worry about currency rate fluctuations. With a forexcard, you can shop, book flights, make online payments and settle hotel billsall at ease. And if you’re low on funds, you can immediately reload your  IndusForex Multi-Currency Card with the InstaReload facility; amounts below Rs 49000 willbe credited within one hour. 

The best stories in life are to do with your travel escapades. So, keep these tips in mind and plan the ultimate solo trip! 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information.