The Power of Plastic: Pros and Cons of Credit Card Usage

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Take a look around whenever you are out shopping or at a restaurant. Do you notice how many people no longer use cash or checks? It 's virtually everyone!

Just think about that VISA commercial where everyone is using their credit card, and when someone decides to pay with cash, everyone looks at him as if he 's from another planet. Yes, that 's the power of plastic.

Credit cards have quickly become the fast and convenient way to pay for everything, from parking tickets to online purchases. With one easy swipe or the punching in of a few numbers, you can make a major purchase now and pay for it later in monthly installments. It 's that easy.

But everyone has also heard horror stories about credit card usage. Some people are thousands of dollars …show more content…

Here are a few reasons why credit cards can be good for you:

You can purchase expensive products and services now and pay for them over time. These can include student loans, cars, furniture, electronics and even a home.
Credit cards are much easier to deal with and carry around than a handful of dollar bills or a bulky checkbook. When you 're in a rush, credit cards come in super handy.
You can make purchases online, such as for plane tickets, hotel reservations, or car rentals, without having to go to the business or speak to a representative in person.
You can make payments online without having to send a check. If you decide to make a payment on a business website, all you have to do is input your credit card information and the business will charge your account.
Many credit cards come with extra benefits, such as discounted gas purchases and hotel reservations, and they may even offer cash-back bonuses, frequent flier miles, and …show more content…

If you don 't have enough money in your checking account, you can use your credit card to pay for an expensive emergency, such as replacing a flat tire, paying for a hospital bill, or buying a ton of school textbooks.
You can establish a good credit history. As long as you always pay off your minimum payment requirements and make them on time, then your credit history will remain on good terms. Then you will be more financially set for future credit card purchases.
The Bad and Worse Side of Credit Cards

Credit cards can be a financial blessing, but they can also be a credit history curse. Just as there are many good reasons to get a credit card, there are also many things you should try to avoid when you use them.

Here are some of the bad aspects of credit cards:

High interest rates and fees can pull you deeper into debt. Every time you make a credit card purchase, your future payment for the purchase will have an added fee attached to it. If you rack up too many expensive purchases, you might end up paying double the original price. You should always choose a credit card with the lowest interest

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