Credit Card Debt & Loans

How Credit Cards Encourage You To Overspend

How Credit Cards Encourage You To Overspend
Reviewed by Minh Tong
Updated April 20, 2018

If you think that a credit card can’t “force” you to overspend, you’re both right and wrong.

People are ultimately responsible for the choices they make; that’s true.

But decades of research have found that people aren’t always completely in control when using cards instead of cash.

*** SPECIAL NOTE *** – If your credit cards, personal loans, or medical debts have become unmanageable and you owe over $20,000… then go here for debt relief. We can help!

Multiple studies show that the pieces of plastic in our wallets have the power to push us beyond our spending limits — sometimes literally.

How Credit Cards Can Influence Your Spending

There’s documented proof, for instance, that the mere exposure to credit card logos can nudge consumers to pull out their plastic and spend more compared to when visual stimulation is absent.

If that visual stimulation isn’t enough, the temptation of credit card “rewards” adds an additional psychological tug to help you buy things you don’t need.

You might be shocked to discover, for example, that in three months you’ve spent $1,000 more on groceries just to maximize your cash back bonus.

Rewards are designed to encourage that type of behavior, and even the most financially disciplined consumers sometimes find them hard to resist.

In addition, simply having the option to pay with credit also increases consumers’ willingness to pay — and even to spend more on the same thing — than if cash were the only choice, according to the findings of an MIT study.

It’s less painful, after all, to hand over a card that will let you temporarily forget how much you’re about to lose than to part with a physical dollar bill.

That numbing effect, combined with the ease of swiping a card, can condition people to habitually reach for their cards even when they know they shouldn’t.

If chronic overspending with plastic has led you down a path of endless debt, we can help. 

At Americor, we understand the unique financial challenges people are facing today.

As America’s trusted source for debt relief solutions, we aim to empower you with financial knowledge that can lead to informed decisions, whether it’s about savings, investments, or managing debt.

If your debt has become unmanageable and you have difficulty making your debt payments each month, then you should consider a FREE consultation call with one of our certified Debt Consultants, who can provide personalized debt relief advice tailored to your specific needs.

By taking proactive steps today, you can put an end to your financial stress and work towards a brighter financial future. 

Remember, there is always hope for debt relief, and our team of experienced professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to regaining control of your finances.

For more information on Americor’s debt relief services, contact us today to see how we can help you eliminate your debts, and get on the fast-track to becoming completely debt-free!