The Pros and Cons of Credit Cards
Credit can be a powerful and beneficial tool, however, there are many pros and cons that accompany credit cards use. When used correctly, credit cards are invaluable, however they can also demolish a person’s credit history, affecting them for years to come. As a society, we are becoming increasingly dependent on using credit cards and recognizing the positives and negatives is key to responsible credit card use.
The advantages of credit cards have revolutionized the way society pays for bills, goods and services. Credit cards allow individuals to receive goods and services today in exchange for the “promise of future payment” (Rommann). Credit cards are extremely quick and convenient, sometimes
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With all of that said, credit card use has many drawbacks. “Credit encourages some of us to overspend because it’s very easy to lose track of our spending. Credit can lead us to believe we will have money to repay debt in the future when we really don’t know that for sure. Overspending can lead to debt problems—and even bankruptcy—when payments to creditors exceed our ability to repay” (Thomas G. Carpenter). Using a credit card requires discipline and people have the tendency to overuse credit cards and spend more than they can afford or would spend when using cash. Carrying a monthly balance on a credit card racks up interest and fees, hence, costing the consumer considerably more to purchase items.
The cons of credit include, irresponsible spending, splurging, not thinking when spending and being unaware of how much you are spending. Irresponsible use of credit cards can lead to a low credit scores. Millions of people struggle paying their monthly bills which leads to a cycle of people being trapped in a hole of bad credit. Missing a monthly payment on a credit card hurts your credit and incurs expensive late fees. These lapses in payment effect peoples future credit, when wanting to buy a new car or a new house, they are unable to purchase these goods because the bank now considers them a “bad risk” and doesn’t trust that they will pay them back. The costs of bad credit may also include, “trouble getting a job or security clearance, trouble getting a cell phone
James D Scurlock’s “Maxed Out” focused on the revolving use of credit cards to charge now and pay later and the fact that once the credit card was maxed out another one was sent from the credit card companies and the whole process begins all over again. Scurlock’s essay made the reader aware of the downfalls and hardships that can occur when credit cards are constantly used for purchases compared to Kevin O’Donnell’s “Why Won’t Anyone give Me a Credit Card”.
Credit cards can ruin any financial situation if used improperly. Let’s look at what our two financial authorities think about them. Dave Ramsey is completely against the idea of using credit cards. Being a devout Christian, he often finds his ways of financial teaching through The Bible. Proverbs 22:7 states “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” You are charged a premium for using a credit card in the form of interest. While you can pay off credit before the interest is charged, Dave insists that many people do not pay if off in time. It is better to get rid of the enticement altogether than to play with the idea of using a
The main argument throughout this documentary is that credit cards are the main cause of the debt crisis, which occurred in 2006 in America. Credit cards are portrayed throughout this documentary to carry negative consequences, aiding in the corruption of the system, and ultimately creating debt problems that America faces as a nation. The main question we are left with is, can we as a nation live without credit cards?
5. Excessive spending habits: Not everyone is budget savvy. Some individuals let their wants or desires drive their spending habits by purchasing items and services that are not a necessity for basic living. Credit card spending can help fuel this type of habit. Too much credit card debt could ultimately change the borrower’s ability to repay for their mortgage and other liabilities.
There are both pros and cons to spending with credit. A consumer must be responsible for their spending and plan ahead for the future. Many people are quickly swept with debt a short period after receiving a credit card. Other consumers are wise enough to control their spending and limit their purchases.
Using credit is quicker and easier these days than spending cash or writing a check. To avoid the long lines we will use the internet to shop or make a quick call. The debt process can start with this months mortgage payment or a week of groceries put on the card. After making the credit card payment, including interest, the following months charges climb higher from the cost of other bills and lifestyle habits added to the card. Before realizing it the debt is out of hand and stress levels build to feeling helpless. If this sounds like you, Christian Credit Counseling can help relieve those anxieties.
Not only for those seeking to retire, the business motivated economy has transfigured how one must live in order to live comfortably. Building credit through credit cards is often perceived to be the only way in order for a buyer to appear credible. Yet in the quest for the optimal credit score people enter into debt. Considering and evaluating the risks and benefits to credit cards may contribute to opinions towards those flimsy pieces of plastic.
When using credit cards, practicing self-discipline and common sense will allow an individual to use the cards as an advantage (Lynott, 2008). Advantageous tips are to limit the number of credit cards to two for personal use and two for business, charge only what you can pay off at the end of the month because that is interest-free, carry cash to pay for small purchases because they add up quickly on a credit card, become knowledgeable about the interest and additional fees and penalties, and focus on items that are needed and not just wanted (Lynott, 2008).
U.S. consumers remain addicted to credit. Consumer debt continues to rise to record levels and a significant number of households have lost control of their finances. Credit cards can be a useful financial tool when used appropriately. However, research clearly indicates that consumers are not using credit cards wisely and consumers do not understand the terms and conditions of the credit card contract. Adding to this public dilemma, the practices of numerous credit card issuers have been described as predatory. The Credit CARD Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, also known as the Credit CARD Act of 2009, is the first major reform of the credit card industry since the Truth in Lending Act of 1968. The Credit CARD Act of
It might seem like a paradox that a credit card can actually help you get out of credit card debt, but that can be the case if you pick the right card like Chase Slate. It's inevitable that we all end up with a balance on our credit card. Holidays, birthdays, celebrations or unexpected emergencies can all add to that balance, so you end up with high minimum payments each month that never seem to disappear. In the long run, a high balance compared to your available credit can have a negative impact on your credit score.
In the world of personal finances, credit cards play an important roles in lives of many people. Sometimes, it's out of choice while other times it happens out of necessity. Regardless of why it happens, the numbers surrounding credit card debt are worthy of scrutiny in order to determine whether having or using credit cards is a sound financial decision.
Whilst a critical part of consumer spending, credit card companies are constantly accused of malicious legal contracts and schemes to increase profits. Without heavy regulation, these companies have the power to bankrupt millions of Americans that rely on credit cards in their daily lives. However, after the introduction of The Credit Card Act of 2009, these accusations represent an inability to accept responsibility for financial blunders on the consumer’s behalf. Due largely in part to the government’s strict regulations, credit card companies should not be at fault for the student credit card debt crisis. Credit card companies remain blameless for student credit card debt as a result of
I learned many advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards. Our class was taught that using credit cards had many advantages: rewards points for using credit cards, easy access to money in case of emergencies, you are able buy things online, credit cards are universal unlike many currencies, etc. However, our class also learned about the many disadvantages of using credit: there is a potential for debt, potential for fraud, potential for identity theft, and many more things. While covering the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards, I made the choice that in the future I will get a credit card but only use when
As far as credit cards are concerned three good reasons for obtaining one are; they aid you in establishing your credit score as well as history. Credit cards are also great if there is an emergency that requires immediate financial action and assistance. Lastly, credit cards offer many benefits such as cash back, rewards, and discounts. The negative effects of credit cards is that they often come with high fees and interest rates. One other negative drawback to obtaining a credit card is that individuals can get themselves into
In today’s economy, cash or a credit card is needed to meet the basic human needs. It is an apparent fact that we need cash or credit cards to purchase items such as food, clothing, and to buy gas. Also, when you are out shopping and discover that you have used all the cash in your possession, it is then that you realize that the advantage of having a credit card. Furthermore, with cash, you are restricted to the amount in your wallet or purse; however, a credit card allows you to pay for your purchase at a later date. Both cash and credit cards can be useful when you manage them wisely. While cash and credit cards are similar in that they both are readily accessible, used for goods and services at the time of purchase, they are dissimilar because of theft, high- interest rates, identity theft.