Credit cards are fairly easy to come by and credit card debt is incredibly difficult to control. Maybe you promised yourself that the credit card would be used responsibly – maybe even only for emergencies. But then dinner out with friends seemed like a good idea, then a couple of other charges, and the first credit card bill catches you totally off guard. Paying the balance isn’t even in the realm of possibilities, but paying at least the minimum due isn’t an option – it’s a requirement.

Credit cards are a huge responsibility, mainly because of the tendency to buy now without the slightest idea of how to pay. If your credit rating is important to you, there are some rules of credit card use that are written in stone.

When you signed the credit card receipt (or used a PIN number to activate a transaction), you signed a promissory note. That credit card is nothing more than a pre-approved loan application and each time you use the card, you are promising to pay back that loan. If you fail to meet your credit card debt responsibly, you are telling that creditor and potential creditors that you are not worth the risk.

Make your credit card payments on time, every time. If you find that you simply can’t make the payment, call the company and explain the situation. You’ll likely lose your charge privileges, but you could at least retain your integrity with the company and have the option to reinstate your card when you get the credit card debt resolved. Dodging the company’s calls might seem easier, but it’s the least responsible action you can take.

Credit cards and credit card debt is an awesome opportunity, but only if you face the responsibility.