If you are strapped for cash, a credit card may seem like an easy solution to your financial woes. However, this does not mean you should use your credit card as if it is an electronic bankcard in a game of Monopoly. Although a credit card could help improve your financial standings, it could also throw you into financial ruin. Because of this, there are some things you should think twice about before swiping your card.
What is your available credit?
Before you swipe your credit card, you should at least have an estimation of what your available credit is. Although many major banks have eliminated overage fees and have spending limits, you should still avoid exceeding your limit. You could trigger interest rate increases or lower your credit score.
Mortgage payments
Although this may be a viable solution in a pinch, it is not a good idea to make a habit of paying your mortgage or rent payments with a credit card. After all, it is not a good idea to pay off one debt with a method that could force you into another if you cannot afford the payment.
Taxes
If you pay your taxes with a credit card, you will have to pay a 2 to 3 percent convenience fee of what you owe. This is in addition to the interest rate on your card. Credit card issuers may also be less likely to approve you for another card because you appear to be a risk.
Medical bills
The interest rate associated with your credit card can make it more difficult to pay off the bill. Again, if you are unable to make the payments on time, you could damage your credit score or see your interest rates increase.
Tuition
Although continuing your education is important, paying your tuition with a credit card can do more harm than good. In most cases, you will be unable to pay off the full balance and incur more interest charges. If the college accepts your payment through the credit card, you may have to pay a 2 to 3 percent processing fee.
More: 7 Tips for Building Your Credit Without Credit Cards
Gambling
It can be easy to lose track of how much money you are spending while gambling. Because of this, it is a bad idea to use your card. Although some credit cards exclude gambling, the ones that do not consider these purchases as cash advances. The interest rate and other fees associated with your card can cause issues and potentially ruin your credit score.
Weddings
Every penny you spend on services and items for your wedding has to be paid back with interest. In addition, it can be easy to exceed your credit limit trying to create your dream wedding. This can lead to overage fees or maxing out your card. Ultimately, it could damage your credit score.
Frivolous Items
It is so easy to swipe your card that you may not realize how much you are spending. $10 here and $20 there can easily add up to $300 later with interest. If you are unable to pay the balance, you will be subject to more interest fees and potentially ruin your credit score.
Having a credit card can help improve your credit score, but if used improperly it can damage it. Because of this, it is very important to think twice before using it. Avoiding the things mentioned above can help you avoid financial ruin caused by credit card debt.1