Why NOT use Credit Cards?
Here are eight reasons NOT to use a credit card:
- Studies show that people who use credit cards spend 112% more money at stores than when they use cash.
- If you have to finance a purchase (if you don't pay your balance off in full each month, you are financing a purchase),
then you are paying a high interest rate that increases the cost of your purchase. You end up paying more for everything than a person who uses cash.
- Credit Cards that partner with airlines in their mileage program have annual fees.
You also need to charge enough to get a ticket within three years, as the miles usually expire in that time frame.
- Taking out a cash advance is very tempting. There are hidden costs involved like cash advance fees, interest accrues from day one and there is no grace period.
The interest rates are usually higher as well for cash advances.
- As credit cards are so convenient, it is easy to make purchases and start buying things that you cannot pay for.
- There are late fees, over limit fees, bad check fees and statement copy fees. These can add up quickly if you have an ongoing credit card balance,
are disorganized and miss a payment or make a late payment. These also show up on your credit report and affect your credit rating.
- It is easy to get caught up in the "prestige" factor. It's an edge that the credit card companies seek and then they charge a high annual fee for this,
merchants pay excessively more in fees (don't think these costs aren't passed on to you) and your interest rate is usually higher than typical bank loans.
- Credit cards can be a trap. Once you stop paying them off fully each month, you'll find yourself getting further and further behind in your debts and all
the problems associated with living above your means.
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