Hey sorry if this is a stupid question in advance.
Ok, say I get a credit card, but don't buy anything with it, do I still get charged a monthly/yearly fee even with no balance on it? Or would that vary depending on the card?
Sorry I've never had one, but thinking about it.
If your card has an annual/monthly fee, then yes you will be responsible for that even if you don't use the card. That's why a card with no annual fee is something to be valued :)
Be careful and read the fine print. Some cards from Orchard Bank will waive the first year's fee (looking like there is no annual fee) and others from First Premier have nonsense fees, like $10/mo "internet access" for your account.
If you have months at a time where you don't use a no-fee credit card, the card company can easily close out your account. It happens all the time. (check link at bottom)
Having a credit history is important to getting a house, auto loan, etc. So I'd recommend getting the card, and your attitude is right: rarely use it. Capital One gets a bad rap, but I'd recommend it as a good first card.
If they do, that should be disclosed before you even apply for it.
Some cards have an annual fee, which you should definitely avoid. If there are no fees attached, then no, you will not get charged anything if you don't use it, or if you use it and pay the balance in full at month's end.
some cards have an annual fee. avoid those.
I once had a card where the issuing bank decided they were going to try that stunt and charge a fee for months I didn't use it, so I promptly closed that account. but that was many years ago. as far as I know, it's not now a common practice, but I could be wrong.
If the card you opt to go for has an annual fee, then, yes, you will be charged that fee regardless of whether you use it to purchase anything or if it just sits gathering dust in your wallet.
You will at a minimum be charged an annual fee.