| Dos | Don'ts |
| Do have a credit card for emergencies if possible, even if a family member cosigns for it. And remember: Spring break is not an emergency! creditkarma.com | Don't use your credit card to bridge the gap between the lifestyle you would like to have and the one you can actually afford. |
| Do use your credit card to build credit by making small charges and paying them off each month. | Don't use your credit card to make unnecessary purchases. |
| Do set up automatic online payments to avoid expensive late fees. Remember that the payment due date is the date the payment should be received by the credit card lender, not the date you send it. | Don't make late payments. Paying your bill even one day late can result in a finance charge and raise the interest rate on that card and your other credit accounts. |
| Do keep an eye on your credit report by visiting a free website such as AnnualCreditReport.com or creditkarma.com at least once a year. | Don't share your credit card number and information with anyone. |