What Do Americans Feel About Their Credit Card Deals?

December 21, 2007

Credit cards are usually referred to as a convenient, necessary tool that makes our financial life easier. But have you ever thought of these plastic things as of some animate object? Have you tried to analyze what is your attitude towards credit cards as a present-day life phenomenon? Statistics experts have carried out a survey recently on what king of feelings Americans have for their credit cards.

Over 90% of Americans use credit cards. The latest survey was conducted in order to figure out American's credit card choosing and management habits, and their attitude to this payment tool. A 1,000 of American citizens were involved in the poll. And the sociologists found some curious facts and contradictions.

The average American family carries a balance owe $ 8,000. However, we keep on using credit cards every day. Most Americans consider plastics to be the easiest way to get into debts. But there are really few people, who will contest the convenience of this device.

3 out of 5 Americans do not feel any responsibility for the choice of a credit card. They do not read terms and conditions from the beginning up to the end. They just fill out a credit card application and send it. This, as you clearly realize, can result in unexpectedly sky-scraping interest rates and fees and lead to a debtor's prison.

At the same time people regard credit cards as a whole new world of opportunities. With credit system we can afford way more than through saving money. Rewards credit cards are, no doubt, on the top of all charts. People really do benefit from them.

About 50% of the questioned reported that they are not satisfied with their credit card offers. However, they are not into searching for deals. Only every fifth US resident take pains to monitor the credit card market and look for new, the best suited for them credit card deals.

Probably, the most shocking statistics figures will be 72% against 20%. 72% is the part of people, who know how to manage their credit card right. But only 20% actually put theory into practice! Hopefully, this proportion will reverse soon.

So, "that's the way the cookie crumples!" - Bruce Almighty would say. That's what Americans and credit cards relationships are like. They are pretty complicated and contradictory.

So, let's try to sum up and figure out what credit cards are to us - friends or enemies. They rescue us when we are in need. But it is also they which can leave us butt naked in huge debts. We know how important it is to read terms and conditions, and every line written in the fine print, but we are too lazy to do it. We want to have the best credit cards, but we would not stir a finger to change something for the better.

And what conclusion have we come to? This people-and-plastics interaction reminds more some love-hate relationship. But that's, probably, for a reason. Credit cards will not give you a helping hand like a true friend will. Neither will they ever stab you in the back like your bitter enemy. So, find a key to the right credit card management and your frenemies will serve you the good turn.