14 Items You Should Never Purchase on a Credit Card

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Credit cards offer convenience, security, and the potential for rewards. But using them for everything can backfire, especially for certain types of purchases that come with extra fees, high interest rates, or long-term financial consequences. Here are 14 things you should avoid putting on a credit card if you want to steer clear of money trouble:

Cash Advances

Withdrawing cash from your credit card at an ATM or bank may seem like a quick fix, but it comes at a steep cost. Cash advances often carry higher interest rates than regular purchases, and interest starts accruing immediately—no grace period. Add in transaction fees, and you’re looking at a costly way to access cash.

Gambling

Using a credit card to gamble is risky in multiple ways. Not only is it easy to lose track of spending, but most credit card issuers treat gambling transactions like cash advances, with all the exact fees and high interest rates. Gambling-related debt can also damage your credit score if it spirals out of control.

Mortgage Payments

While it may seem like a good way to earn rewards, paying your mortgage with a credit card often isn’t allowed by lenders. Even if it is, third-party processors may charge steep fees. If you can’t pay off your card balance, interest charges and missed payments could hurt your credit

Student Loans

Most student loan servicers don’t accept credit cards. If you use a third-party service to pay with a card, you’ll likely face extra fees. Plus, carrying that debt on a high-interest credit card can make repayment even harder—and could impact your credit score if you fall behin

Taxes

Paying taxes with a credit card might help you earn points, but it will also incur processing fees charged by the IRS. If you’re unable to pay off the full balance, interest charges will quickly wipe out any potential rewards.

Medical Bills

When faced with large medical expenses, a credit card might feel like your only option—but it’s not the best one. Many providers offer zero-interest payment plans or financial assistance programs, which are far better alternatives than racking up interest on a credit card.

Rent

Paying rent with a credit card can be tempting, especially during tight months. However, many landlords don’t accept card payments, and those that do often charge a fee. If you can’t pay off the balance, it could result in additional interest, late fees, and a lower credit score.

Peer-to-Peer Payments

Sending money through apps like Venmo or PayPal using a credit card typically incurs a fee. Save yourself the extra cost by linking a debit card or bank account instead.

High-Risk Transactions

Buying foreign currency, investing in cryptocurrency, or making purchases from questionable sellers can all be high-risk transactions. These often come with extra fees, and your credit card company might flag them as suspicious or even deny the charge.

Unnecessary Subscriptions

It’s easy to forget about subscription services once they’re set up on autopay. If you’re charging memberships you rarely use—or can’t really afford—you could be quietly racking up debt. Do a regular audit and cancel anything that isn’t essential.

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