Credit card debt is a huge issue for many people, and it does not just affect those who are bad with finances. It can happen to anyone. Out of control credit card debt is not always the result of not being responsible with your credit.
U.S. News and World Report explains that many tactics credit card companies use to make it very easy to end up in debt even when you are careful about how you use credit. One of those is offering rewards programs.
Why they use them
Credit card companies use rewards programs to draw in users. They also use them to stay competitive, trying to offer something better than competitors so that you will choose their card. In doing these things, the company may offer amazing deals and make it seem like you are coming out on top in the deal. In reality, you are digging yourself into more debt.
Why they harm you
The biggest issue is that rewards encourage you to use your card even if you should not just to earn the perks. In some cases, companies will even allow you to use rewards you have yet to earn with the promise that you will spend a certain amount on your card within a certain time. This is setting you up for failure. Either you will overspend to meet the agreement or you will not meet the terms and end up paying fines. You may also become so focused on earning rewards that you fail to realize the huge amount of debt you are accruing.
