Credit cards are easy to use but can also become a debt trap. Rent, mortgage, impulse shopping and vacations are some things that should be kept far away from your credit card.

As you plan for your finances for 2022, this might be the right time to sit and evaluate your credit card spending in the last few months. This would help you spot some unnecessary expenses that you might have incurred over a period. That information would help you avoid making the same mistakes and stay on track financially.

While it is sometimes necessary to rely on your credit card, especially in situations such as sudden medical expenses, loss of job or a pay-cut, you should always remind yourself of a few general guidelines for safe credit card use.

According to experts, avoid paying with a credit card for something that you cannot pay for in full, when the bill is due. Overall, here are the expenses you should ideally not put on your credit card:

1)      Your monthly rent or mortgage payment: You may have the option of paying your monthly rent or mortgage through your credit card. But there’s usually a processing fee of 2-3 per cent that negates all the benefit. You must know beforehand all the additional costs associated with charging this type of purchase on a credit card. “If you’re residing in a rented place, it is advisable not to pay your monthly rent via credit card. Rental expenses should be part of your budgeted household expenses and you need to maintain financial discipline in this respect to avoid a debt trap,” says Arijit Sen, a Sebi-registered investment advisor and co-founder of Merry Mind, a Kolkata-based financial advisory firm.

2)      Festive shopping or impulse shopping: If you’re shopping, especially during festive seasons, avoid using your credit card as the ease of use makes impulsive purchases easy. Impulsive buying is an easy way to end up with a higher credit card bill than you expected. Such splurges can be on electronic gadgets, accessories, clothing, shoes, trips, etc.