As the use of plastic money became popular, more and more people are using it while more business establishments are accepting it to complete transactions. However, credit cards have become a factor in burying people alive with debt-related problems so it is important for card holders to learn how to use it properly to avoid excessive credit card debt.
Bank cards offer customers convenience and countless benefits. With cards in their wallets, they can buy stuff they want without carrying cash with them most of the time. They can also avail of rebates, discounts and special offers. Purchases done online can be completed by a few clicks on the computer but with all these benefits comes the pitfalls of falling into debt when you do not use how to use your credit card.
Excessive debt can be avoided. This is a ray of hope if you want to learn your lesson from the millions of card holders who are facing serious debt problems anywhere in the world. Anything done to excess is always harmful, and the use of your plastic money is no exemption.
Just because some card holders failed is no reason for card companies to shut off issuing cards to customers. They have a business to run and you as a card holder have certain responsibilities you must be aware of.
The problem of excessive card debt can be addressed from two angles: from the point of view of the issuers and from the individual card holder's view.
Credit card companies could do their part by increasing awareness to the card holders that facing huge card debts is no laughing matter. They should not be there to entice more customers and as soon as they get their plastic, leave them alone to fend off for themselves without making them aware of the disadvantages that come with the convenience of the plastic money.
The card companies could initiate mandatory seminars and open forums for card applicants where they can introduce all the facets of the credit/debit card to the prospective customers as part of the application process. Credit/debit card issuing companies could also send warnings to customers who are heading towards excessive debt based on their card usage. Prevention is better than cure and card companies can help in this.
However, the individual card holder plays the most important role in avoiding debts. The customer should be made to think that plastic money is not free money. He should be responsible enough to control his lifestyle and spending habits based on how much he can afford to pay. With or without a charge/credit card, if you spend more than what you earn then you are headed for trouble.
To sum it up, excessive card debt is a problem that can be avoided as long as there is joint effort on the part of the card supplier and the individual card holder. The financial road is not paved with roses. If there are conveniences there are disadvantages that always come with it.
