By Maddy Scheckel
March 6, 2023
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Monthly payments. Interest rates. Piles of debt.
That’s a lot of nastiness, and it comes from the same place: credit cards.
So let’s get real here. Are credit cards a trap?
Not necessarily – but they can be.
That’s why you have to use them responsibly.
There’s a lot to like about credit cards. It’s no coincidence that 84% of Americans have one. You just have to avoid costly mistakes.
Here, I spell out exactly how credit cards can trap you and how you can use them wisely.
Credit cards can be useful financial tools when used responsibly.
Source: Unsplash
A credit card allows you to buy items in stores, make online purchases, and pay bills – all with credit. Basically, it’s an easy way of borrowing money for everyday transactions.
When you apply for a card, the credit card company gives you a credit limit. Let’s say your credit limit is $3,000. That means you can use the card to spend up to $3,000 dollars without actually dipping into your own savings.
Every month, you’ll receive a credit card statement that shares your balance or how much money you owe.
This statement will also give you the minimum payment you need to make in order to avoid penalties. Whatever money you pay will be removed from your balance. The remaining balance will remain as debt.
Most credit cards charge interest (called an annual percentage rate, or APR) – meaning the debt in your balance will continue growing as long as you don’t pay it back.
That’s why it’s always best to pay off your entire balance or as much of it as you can.
What is a Credit Card Trap?
A credit card trap is what you “fall into” when you use credit cards to spend more than you earn.
Imagine you use a credit card – or multiple credit cards – to make purchases each month.
You don’t earn enough to pay off the balance, and so your debt increases. That debt then increases further because of interest, which makes it even harder to pay off.
See how it becomes a nasty cycle?
The debt produces more debt, and all the while, you sink deeper and deeper.
So are credit cards a trap?
Not necessarily.
But they can become one if you’re not careful. That’s why you need to be smart about how you use them.
Common Credit Card Traps
1 – Overspending with Your Card
When it comes to credit card debt, overspending is at the root of all evil.
Think about it.
No matter what financial strategies you employ, you’re bound to fall behind if you’re consistently spending more than you earn.
2 – Only Making the Minimum Payment
With each credit card statement, you’re given a minimum payment. This is the amount you have to pay to avoid late fees.
Making that payment might seem like a victory, but it’s actually far too little.
Imagine: You use your credit card to spend $500, then make the minimum payment of $45. That leaves you $455 in debt – a number that will only rise with interest.
A few more months of those habits and– bam!
You’re in some seriously hot water.
3 – Going After Perks Without Considering the Downside
Travel points! Discounts! Nights out with friends! Trips to the Bahamas!
With so many perks on offer from credit card companies, it’s hard not to be seduced.
But behind those flashy selling points, each credit card has a lot of fine print.
Sometimes, the perks are actually worth it, but you need to look carefully at the fees and interest rates before making a decision.
If you take out too many cards just to chase those rewards, you could find yourself with debt piling up all around you.
4 – Regularly Using Your Card at the ATM
If your credit card has a PIN, you can use it to get cash from an ATM.
It’s just like a debit card, right?
Wrong!
Unlike a debit card, which draws money that’s already yours, a credit card uses a “cash advance” to get money from the machine.
So basically, you’re borrowing money, and the loan comes with interest rates and fees. Interest rates, fees – yup, just the things that totally kill your finances.
How to Avoid Credit Card Traps
1 – Budget to Avoid Overspending
Budgeting is the single best way to avoid falling into a credit card trap.
Avoid overspending, and keep your credit card balances small.
Keep those balances small, and you have an easier time paying them off.
Pay them off, and you avoid falling into debt.
It all stems from budgeting.
Get that part down, and your financial health will improve across the board.
2 – Pay Off Your Entire Balance Each Month
Credit cards themselves aren’t the problem. It’s the debt that’s harmful.
So how do you avoid debt?
By paying off your balance each and every month.
This is where budgeting comes in again.
Only spend what you can afford to pay off in full.
And if you manage it?
Goodbye, interest.
Goodbye, growing debts.
Goodbye, stress.
Hello, better credit scores and a brighter financial future!
3 – Don’t Take Out Too Many Cards
Life and debt are stressful enough without having 15 credit cards to worry about.
The more cards you have, the harder it is to keep track of them all – and the easier it is to miss payments.
Avoid the impulse to take out a credit card for every store that offers a deal.
If you stick with just a few generic cards, you’ll actually be able to keep track of your finances.
4 – Avoid Credit Cards Altogether
This is an extreme strategy – but it’s an effective one.
You can’t misuse a credit card that you don’t even have.
Now – don’t assume that ditching cards altogether is the height of financial virtue.
Responsibly using credit cards can actually be good for your finances. But if you’ve fallen into the credit card trap time and time again, then it might be time to go cold turkey.
Taking out too many credit cards makes it harder to keep track of your finances.
Source: Unsplash
So, Are Credit Cards a Trap?
Let’s get philosophical: Credit cards aren’t a trap by nature.
After all, they’re meant to be tools. Tools to provide convenience while helping you build your credit history.
But if you misuse those tools and spend more than you can afford to pay back – then are credit cards a trap?
Yes, absolutely – and a very costly trap at that.
Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card
Are credit cards a trap? No – not entirely.
They can be risky. But they also have real, concrete advantages.
Just make sure you weigh both the pros and cons as you make your financial decisions.
Pros:
- Convenience. Bills paid with a click. Groceries bought with a swipe – or, these days, just a tap. It doesn’t get much easier.
- Credit score boost. Credit bureaus look at your financial history, then assign you a credit score. That score determines how easy it is to borrow money. If you use a credit card and pay off the balance consistently, your credit score should go up.
- Rewards and points. Many credit cards give you “points” you can use for traveling and other purposes. While you don’t want to take out loads of cards just to pursue points, it can be nice to get free stuff in exchange for purchases you were going to make anyway.
Cons:
- Debt trap danger. Credit cards are super easy to use. This makes them convenient but also dangerous. A swipe here, an online purchase there. Next thing you know, you’re caught in a spiral of debt.
- Overcomplicating personal finances. In theory, budgeting is simple: Spend less than you earn. But every layer of financial maneuvering complicates things, and having multiple credit cards can make it tough to keep your finances straight.
Credit cards are easy to use – and they can help you improve your credit score.
Source: Unsplash
Commonly Asked Questions About Credit Card Traps
Why Are Credit Cards a Trap?
Credit cards are traps because poor financial choices can land you in debt. If you use a card for purchases you can’t afford and then make only the minimum payment each month, you’ll end up owing serious amounts of money.
Is Having a Credit Card a Trap?
Simply having a credit card isn’t a trap. But, using it unwisely can put you in a tough situation. Responsible credit card use looks like this: Only buy what you can afford, then pay off your balance each month. Do that, and you won’t get “trapped.”
What is the Biggest Credit Card Trap?
The biggest credit card trap comes from only making the minimum payment each month. Let’s say you’ve got a $5,000 balance and only make the minimum payment of $75. That means you’ll still owe $4,425, which will become even higher with interest.
Is It Better to Have Cash or Card?
Both cash and cards have advantages, so neither is better than the other. Cards are convenient to use, and they can help you increase your credit score if you use them responsibly. Cash makes it easier to control your spending and avoid falling into debt.
Credit Card Traps to Avoid?
Some credit card traps to avoid include:
- Overspending
- Only making the minimum payment each month
- Chasing rewards points without considering the “fine print”
- Using credit cards for cash advances from the ATM
Are Credit Cards Necessary?
Credit cards aren’t necessary, but they can be helpful. Think you can spend wisely and pay off your balance each month? Then use a card – it’ll help your credit score. Worried you’ll be reckless? Then go cardless.
Know thyself, and act accordingly.
How Can Credit Cards Be Helpful?
Credit cards can boost your credit score if you pay off the balance each month. They’re also convenient and easy to use online. The reward points can help fund certain expenses, and the fraud protection provides a safety net against bad actors.
How Do People Get Trapped in Cycles of Credit Card Debt?
A snapshot of the credit card debt cycle:
- You make purchases with your card – some necessary, some outside your budget
- You only pay off part of the balance
- The remaining balance grows because of the card’s APR (interest rate)
- The combination of interest and additional purchases pushes your debt higher and higher
What is Credit?
Credit is basically the ability to borrow. That’s where the “credit” in credit cards comes from. A credit card allows you to borrow money for purchases, then pay that money back later.
