Getting your first credit card feels like a big step. It can open doors—literally and figuratively—but it can also lead to stress if you’re not prepared.
A credit card lets you borrow money from a bank or financial company to buy things now and pay it back later. When you swipe, the bank pays, then you pay the bank back by your due date. If you don’t pay back in full, interest charges kick in, and that’s where things can get expensive.
Example:
Buy a $650 TV on a card with 19.99% interest.
Pay $50 a month? Done in 15 months, plus $89 in interest.
Only make minimum payments? It’ll take 8 years and cost $553 extra. Your TV might not even work by then!
Build Your Credit Score: Paying on time shows lenders you’re responsible. That matters when you want a car loan, mortgage, or even a student loan.
Emergency Cushion: Flat tire? Laptop dies before exams? A credit card can help in a pinch (if you have a plan to pay it off!
Online Shopping: Many sites require a credit card for purchases or subscriptions.
Travel: Hotels and rental cars often need a credit card for booking.
Rewards: Points, cash back, perks that all sounds awesome. Just make sure the rewards don’t cost you more in interest than they’re worth.
But watch out - Miss a payment? You could get hit with late fees, higher interest rates, and a lower credit score. Borrow more than you can afford? That debt can stick around for years.
Before you apply for a credit card, take a close look at the details. Some cards charge an annual fee, so ask what you’re getting in return. Check the interest rate too—those low intro rates can jump after a few months, and missing a payment or carrying a balance can make it even higher. Look at the extras, like rewards, insurance, or extended warranties, and decide if they’re worth it for you.
Shop around for credit cards – different cards may offer different interest rates, annual fees, rewards or other perks. Read the fine print so you know the rules around the
Here’s the real talk: credit cards don’t just change how we pay, they change how we feel about paying.
Swipe it and forget it: When you tap or swipe, it doesn’t feel like money leaving your pocket. Paying with cash? That stings a little because you see the bills go. That “ouch” moment is your brain’s pain signal that helps you recognize the loss. With credit, that pain is delayed, so it’s easier to spend more than you planned. You might forget but you know who won’t? The bank that you owe the money to. Have a plan to pay off anything you charge to your card.
Impulse Spending: Social media and “buy now, pay later” make it easy to spend without thinking. Those quick dopamine hits feel great now, but can cause debt stress later. Not so fun. Try the 24-hour rule: when you want to buy something, wait a full day before making the purchase. This pause gives your brain time to cool off and ask, “Do I really need this? Can I pay cash without dipping into money for bills or savings?” If the answer is no, skip it. If you can’t pay cash now, do you really need it?
Emotional Purchases: Feeling stressed? Celebrating? Brands know this and use ads to make you feel like you “deserve it.” Before you tap the credit card, ask yourself: Do I want this, or do I want the feeling it gives me?
Self-Control Slips: Most debt traps happen because we lose track, not because we don’t know better. Set guardrails—spending limits, alerts, or even a buddy check—to help future-you.
Your first credit card can be a great tool—if you use it wisely. It can help you build credit, shop online, and handle emergencies. But it can also trap you in debt if you’re not careful. Finfo is here to help you make smart choices, no judgment, no sales pitch—just solid tools and resources for New Brunswickers.