Witih credit-card issuers reeling from losses, they're finding ways to squeeze more out of borrowers -- in particular by charging more to risky borrowers. Trouble is, everyone is a risky borrower now, as Kiplinger's reported in The New Rules of Credit Cards. A study by Fair Isaac, which devised the FICO credit score, found that more than 20 million people lost access to some of their credit last year through no fault of their own.
With this in mind, you want to be extra careful how you use your charge cards these days so you don't give your issuer an excuse to hike your rate or cut off your credit. Marketplace, an American Public Media program, has compiled a list of ten purchases you shouldn't put on your credit card because they might brand you as "risky." They range from the obvious, such as a big bar tab, to the not-so-obvious, such as retreading your tires. Read the full list.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Sizzle Ahead of Apple Earnings, Jobs ReportThe Nasdaq outperformed in a strong day for stocks thanks to Qualcomm's post-earnings pop.
-
Carvana Stock Surges on Surprise ProfitCarvana stock is rallying following a strong first-quarter earnings report. Here’s what you need to know.
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid ThemTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to AmazonBefore tossing these items into your virtual shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
