Economy
Things You Need to Know Before Applying for your First Kredittkort (Credit Card)
Deciding to get a credit card or Kredittkort as it is called in Norwegian is a big financial decision. Hence, it isn’t something that you should do without having ample knowledge about these financial items.
Therefore, in this article, we will share with you some important things you need to know to enable you to get the beste kredittkort (best credit card) that is just right for you.
Let’s get started…
1. As a beginner you might not get the beste kredittkort
You shouldn’t expect to get the beste kredittkort that offers rich benefits, long periods of 0% interest, or great sign-up bonuses. Such products are only given to applicants who have acquired at least a credit score of 690 upward as well as those with a very long credit history with a certain required income level.
In most cases, when you go for your first card, what you will get is a low product that is designed for folks that have no or a low credit score. While this might sound disappointing, such products tend to provide great rewards, and annual fees aren’t charged.
2. You could build or ruin your credit with your first kredittkort
Apart from the fact that getting one of these products allows you to make everyday purchases, a not too well-known reason for getting one is that it is a great way to improve your credit. Interestingly, you could end up ruining it if you don’t exercise caution.
Once you pick up plastic money, your kredittkort activity will be reported to credit bureaus. In the report, it will be stated if you paid your money on time as well as the credit you made use of so far.
Therefore, to ensure that your activity keeps you in good graces, do not max out your plastic. Always ensure that you make full payments and make them on time. You should also keep below the limit of your credit; about less than 30% is the recommended percentage.
Monitoring your kreditt (credit) scores will help you know your standing. Hence, you can easily make adjustments if you discover that you are moving towards the wrong side of the credit line.
3. Making a security deposit helps in obtaining a kredittkort
Sometimes first-timers can find it difficult to get their credit cards because they don’t have any credit. To hack this problem, you can opt for a secured kredittkort. These plastics are specially made for folks who have no kreditt or have damaged their existing kreditt.
All you need to do is make a cash deposit, then your deposit becomes your credit limit. The deposit amount is dependent on the type of plastic you want to get. However, the minimum amount range that you can deposit is $200 to $500. You could choose to deposit above that range if you want your credit to be higher.
You still need to be careful though as you could lose your deposit if you fail on your payments. But if your payments are always on time and you don’t spend your entire card’s credit but remain the percentage we mentioned earlier, you will be able to build up your kreditt within some months.
When that happens, your issuer can choose to upgrade your account and issue you an unsecured card. Alternatively, when you notice that you’ve been able to build good credit, you can apply for one yourself. Then you can then have the secured card closed. Whichever happens, you will get your initial deposit back.
4. You can avoid kredittkort fees
This is something not many know about; however, you can avoid these fees if you don’t have existing credit. This is because a lot of beginner cards are free from annual charges. Hence, that is one fee you don’t have to worry about.
Furthermore, you don’t need to bother about late fees if you make your payments on time. If you won’t be using plastic in a foreign country, then foreign transaction fees wouldn’t be a bother either. Cash advances and balance transfers fees can be avoided if you don’t carry out these transactions.
Although over-limit fees are practically extinct, you shouldn’t go over your kreditt limit as a result. You can be protected from over-limit fees if you don’t choose the protection for over-limit. This protection allows your charges to be covered by your issuer when you are over your limit. Moreover, if you spend below your limit, you don’t have to worry about this fee even if you opt for the protection.
5. You can avoid interests
That sounds like the single most absurd statement as far as credit for most folks is concerned. However, it is entirely true. What is the trick? Well, all you need to do is make sure that the bill on your plastic for every month is paid in full. Once you do, you activate the grace period.
The grace period prevents the accruement of interests on new buys. This lasts until your next payment date. Once the next date is due again, simply pay the full bill again and keep the cycle flowing.
Interest is accrued on new buys immediately once you fail to complete full payment of your bill. This is apart from the interest you pay on the existing balance from the previous month.
6. The fees and rates can be known before you apply
Issuers are mandated by federal law to reveal some terms which include fees and rates to potential customers before they apply. You can find these fees and rates in a Schumer box on the issuer’s online application page or an enclosed slip in paper applications.
Some of the contents included in the Schumer box are the card’s annual fees, the APR, foreign transaction fees, late fees, etc. Visit https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/credit/what-is-apr to learn more about APRs
While these will be revealed to you before you apply, other information will be disclosed after you have applied and have been approved. One of such is your kreditt limit.
7. You are allowed to pay above the minimum
Many have fallen into this “trap” innocently because of the minimum payment due that is usually displayed on kredittkort statements. Hence, many have come to think that just paying less is something that can and should be done rather than paying more. Nevertheless, if you choose to pay less, then you will end up paying a lot more later.
Paying the minimum simply means that the interest, fees (if there’s any), and a bit of the balance of the last month are covered. Hence, making such a payment means you haven’t upset your credit. Therefore, if you continue in this pattern, it could indeed negatively affect your credit.
8. Handling kredittkort fraud is quite easy
Compared to debit cards, handling frauds on kredittkort is much easier thanks to the protection these plastics offer. Allow us to explain…
If your card gets used by crooks, you don’t have to worry much about it because it is not your money in the actual sense but that of the credit card company. Hence, you can resolve the issue almost immediately.
Also, thanks to federal law, the low liability policies of most issues protect you from having to pay for card purchases that weren’t done by you.
Furthermore, you can easily get a replacement plastic by simply informing your issuer about the fraud. When you do this, they are obligated to cancel that compromised card and send you another one that has a new number. Hence, the fraudsters will not be able to use the old one.
9. Paying late is costly
When you make late payments, it will affect you in the following ways:
- You will be charged late fees.
- You might be charged penalty APRs.
iii. Your kreditt will be affected especially if it is 30 days late or more.
Conclusion
In the article above, we’ve shared with you the important things you need to know before getting a credit card. With this information, you can walk to any issuer and get the very best.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has declared the first interim dividend in its history after posting its financial results for the first half of 2026, reflecting robust earnings growth, improved operating efficiency and stronger capital market activity.
The board approved an interim dividend of N1.00 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, citing the company’s strong cash generation, resilient balance sheet and confidence in the sustainability of its earnings.
The interim payout represents about 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year, underscoring its strong earnings momentum while preserving financial flexibility to invest in technology, innovation and future growth.
CSCS recorded one of the strongest financial performances in its history during the review period, with total operating income rising by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion from the corresponding period of 2025.
The growth was driven by higher transaction fee income as capital market activity strengthened, continued expansion in depository services, increased collateral management revenues and stronger contributions from data and technology-enabled services. Investment income also improved as the company optimised its investment portfolio.
Despite the sharp rise in revenue, operating expenses increased by only 38 per cent, reflecting disciplined cost management and the scalability of the company’s business model.
As a result, operating profit surged by 186 per cent to N10.11 billion, while profit before tax climbed by 115 per cent to N13.21 billion. Earnings per share also rose significantly to 190.1 kobo from 109.1 kobo in the corresponding period of 2025.
The organisation also recorded improvements in operating efficiency. Its cost-to-income ratio declined to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent a year earlier, while operating profit margin improved to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent.
According to the company, the results demonstrate not only the benefits of stronger market activity but also the resilience of its operating model and its ability to convert revenue growth into higher profitability, improved shareholder returns and sustainable long-term value creation.
Commenting on the interim dividend, the Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr Temi Popoola, said the board’s decision reflected confidence in the firm’s financial strength, earnings quality and long-term strategic direction.
He said the strong performance was driven not only by increased market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and the continued diversification of revenue streams.
Mr Popoola noted that the Board remained committed to balancing shareholder returns with investments in technology, innovation, resilience and new growth opportunities that would strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions.
The chief executive of CSCS Plc, Mr Shehu Yahaya Shantali, attributed the strong performance to the resilience of the entity’s business model, the dedication of its workforce and the confidence of market participants.
He said the first-ever interim dividend demonstrated the company’s ability to translate strong earnings growth and improved operating efficiency into enhanced shareholder value.
Mr Shantali added that CSCS would continue to strengthen its core market infrastructure, invest in technology and innovation, diversify its revenue base and enhance value creation for stakeholders while supporting the development of Nigeria’s capital market.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The national scale long-term issuer rating of Axxela Limited has been upgraded by GCR Rating to A+(NG), just as its short-term issuer rating was affirmed with a stable outlook.
The rating firm upgraded the long-term issue rating for Axxela Funding 1 Plc’s N16.4 billion series 1 senior unsecured bond to A+(NG), while the N11.5 billion series 1 senior secured bond was lifted to A+(NG)(EL).
GCR noted in a note that the actions reflect the leading gas and power portfolio company’s robust business model, strong earnings performance, and sustained financial profile, reinforcing its ability to deliver long-term value while maintaining financial discipline.
Axxela’s recent achievements have been driven by its continued focus on responsible growth, customer satisfaction, and creating lasting value for national development.
“The ratings upgrade by GCR is a strong endorsement of Axxela’s disciplined approach to business. Beyond recognising our financial strength, it reflects the resilience of our business model and the confidence in our strategic direction.
“Over the past few years, we have continued to make significant strides across the business by expanding our natural gas infrastructure, strengthening our operational footprint, advancing our sustainability agenda, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and safety,” the chief executive of Axxela, Mr Moshood Olajide, commented on the development.
As the company continues to advance its long-term growth strategy, the upgraded ratings reinforce confidence in Axxela’s credit profile, financial resilience, and ability to create enduring value for investors, customers and other stakeholders.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have strengthened their partnership to deploy digital identity technology, aiming to combat illegal mining and enhance security in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Speaking while receiving the Director-General and management of NIMC on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, described the commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s development architecture, stressing that effective governance could not be achieved without a credible identity management system.
“NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems,” he added.
He noted that inadequate identification systems had weakened enforcement efforts over the years, allowing illegal mining activities to flourish in mineral-rich communities.
“Without identification, we cannot trace or track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective monitoring of both legal and illegal operations.
“A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector,” Mr Alake said.
The minister identified technology, statistics, data gathering and digital identity as critical enablers for evidence-based policymaking, improved regulatory oversight, efficient licensing, investment promotion and national development.
On her part, the DG of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted several opportunities for collaboration between both institutions, noting that the newly enacted NIMC Act has positioned Nigeria to fully embrace a digital governance ecosystem.
She explained that deeper integration of identity management into the solid minerals sector would facilitate database integration across government institutions, enhance regulatory compliance, strengthen security and law enforcement, improve monitoring of operators, and provide stronger support for the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in mining host communities.
Mrs Coker-Odusote added that NIMC’s upgraded digital infrastructure is capable of supporting government institutions in building reliable databases, improving transparency and delivering more efficient public services.
Both institutions said they would immediately begin implementing technology-driven initiatives under the partnership, expressing confidence that expanding access to trusted digital identities for miners and other eligible residents would enhance accountability and strengthen governance in the solid minerals sector.
