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What Not to Put on Plastic

By C. Raymond Hidalgo,  Newser User

Posted Jul 12, 2009 5:57 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Credit card companies know more about you than you think—and if they think you're financially stressed, you're in trouble. American Public Media lists 10 "red-flag" purchases that you shouldn't make with plastic unless you want to give your credit card company the jitters.

  • Traffic tickets: These make you look reckless, and, statistically, more likely to  default on your credit cards.

  • Retreading your tires: Drivers do this when they can’t afford new tires, and it makes them look desperate.
  • Bargain binges: Switching to lower-cost retailers is a sign of money worries.
  • Adult playthings: No one's judging you ... except for your credit card company.
Click on the link below for the entire list.

Police can ruin your credit.
Police can ruin your credit.   (©conner395)
Shopping at lower-cost retailers might indicate you are financially troubled.
Shopping at lower-cost retailers might indicate you are financially troubled.   (Getty Images)
Be careful with your credit card purchases.
Be careful with your credit card purchases.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
AClotfelter
Jul 13, 2009 10:04 AM CDT
They don't really care where you spend your money, they're just looking for any excuse to jack up your fees.
keybored
Jul 12, 2009 12:58 PM CDT
That's the key DeniseVB -- charge only what you can afford to pay off at the end of the month. And pay the whole bill and not just a portion. That's exactly what we do too and it also works for us!
DeniseVB
Jul 12, 2009 12:50 PM CDT
Using a credit card for everything, then paying it off every month is easier than writing checks or remembering to subtrack debit purchases. Works for me :)

 
credit card • default • bill • tickets • credit card accounts • bargain shopper

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