Lots of credit cards offer various incentives to all consumers who frequently use them, such as cashback and zero liability in case of fraud. However, we shouldn’t get used to paying every single transaction with our credit cards, especially if we’re not dealing very well with debt.

In most cases, keeping the plastic tucked away in your pockets would be best. Unfortunately, for some readers, this might be a bit too late. If you’re already fighting a ton of debt, remember that it’s never too late to ask for a little help.

Many reputable professionals have great insights into credit card usage and debt payment. We’ve decided to make a list of things you shouldn’t pay for with your credit card, so click next to find out more:

Household bills

It’s that time of the month when you’re making yourself a cup of hot tea (or an espresso martini, depending on the case), and you start counting all your utility, cellphone, and cable bills. We have to warn you about one thing: the LAST thing you’d want to do is pay for all those bills with your credit card. Why? Because if you can’t pay off your entire balance each and every month, the interest you will get will only make those monthly bills even MORE expensive.

Cars

Car dealers might not agree for you to pay with your credit card, or best case scenario, they might limit the amount of money that you can pay off with your credit. Like many other merchants, there are some dealers who simply don’t agree with credit card payments, mostly because they have to pay a fee in order to process the transaction.

If you decided to get a car but can’t pay for it outright, you could go to a credit union or bank and ask for financial approval. You might get a reasonable interest rate before buying the car of your dreams!

Student loans

If you have a hard time paying your federal student loans, there are still many options. Some of them might include an income-based repayment plan, deferment, and even possible loan forgiveness. Paying your student loan debt with your credit card will definitely increase the amount of interest you will pay on the debt. It doesn’t matter if you get a zero-percent introductory credit card offer, as it will expire over time.

Retail therapy

Did you have a bad day and feel that buying a new piece of clothing might cheer you up? Good for you, but make sure you don’t pay for it with your credit card. This way, you’ll make sure you didn’t let your card balance completely spiral out of control.

Medical bills

If you decide to use a medical credit card that’s available through your health care provider’s office to pay your bills, make sure you carefully read the fine print that mentions your obligations, especially those that explain how and when interest is charged. Also, you need to consider all the steps you might take to reduce your monthly healthcare costs.

A night out

Giving out your credit card on a night out is probably one of the worst decisions you could ever make. If you are out with your friends throwing back drinks, make sure you don’t run a tab you can’t afford to pay.

Big-ticket stuff you can’t pay off right away

Credit cards have all these great purchase protections, so you should use them for various big-ticket purchases. However, buying something on credit when you can’t pay it back right away isn’t a smart choice at all.

Credit card payments

In theory, you shouldn’t and mustn’t charge your monthly credit card payment on another credit card. You’ve probably been tempted to do so. You will pay a cash advance fee and it’s likely for you to get a bigger interest rate on the amount of money advanced than you pay on your credit card purchases.

You might not get a grace period on the interest the way you’d normally do with credit card purchases. Interest will probably begin to accumulate right away.

“SALE” items

If you feel like you will miss out on savings if you don’t buy a specific item that’s on sale, this doesn’t mean that you should, by any means, use your credit card. The best thing to do is to way for a day or two and reconsider whether you really need it or not. After all, it’s the best way to save more money!

Unsecured online purchases

When you’re shopping online, you have to make sure that the web address of your site has “HTTPS”, instead of “HTTP.” Otherwise, that’s the best sign to shop elsewhere. Even more, maybe you do a little bit of research before buying anything online, just to make sure that the company you’re about to give your money to is reputable.

Stocks

It’s worth mentioning that most brokerages won’t allow you to pay stocks with your credit card. However, if you managed to find a place where it’s possible, you’ll be charged many costly fees. Even more: if you borrow money to buy your stocks, you’ll have to pay any interest charges that will ultimately eat away all your returns.

Expensive art

Even if you have a very large credit limit, you shouldn’t use your credit card to buy any collectible car or deluxe purchase that might tempt you at the moment. When it comes to getting anything with your credit card, it’s best if you just hold off for a while, especially when we’re talking about frivolous purchases.

And when we say frivolous purchases, we also mean that dreamy designer wedding dress, luxury holiday package, or the diamond you also dreamt of. None of these should be bought with your credit card.

Other people’s expenses

You might be extremely giving, but this doesn’t mean that you should put your credit card at stake every time someone asks you to. Your friends and family might ask you to loan them some money off your credit card, with the promise to give it back to you very soon.

Even if it seems like a harmless request, it might harm you more than you think. What if you incur all kinds of interest costs, or even worse, lose your interest-fee grace period? It will only complicate things even further for you.

Big business expenses

Even if you have a large business to run and you can’t afford to get that stock you want to, a credit card shouldn’t become your go-to. It would be more advisable to consider a business loan or even a personal loan. However, make sure you choose one with lower rates and flexible repayments!

Or, as an alternative, you could always consider a business credit card for some of your smallest expenses. Some expenses such as petrol for your company car, other travel expenses, and even online payments can be easily done with a business credit card. This way, you’ll be able to fully track your spending history, and make secure payments.

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