SoFi

Spending money on purchases is a part of daily life (groceries, for instance) and can be a pleasure (those cool new boots you’ve been eying for weeks). But for some people, shopping gets out of hand and becomes impulsive or compulsive shopping. They literally “can’t resist” buying and find themselves purchasing often and when they don’t really need anything.

Both compulsive and impulsive shopping can negatively impact your finances and personal life, though they are not the same thing. If you feel as if you can’t control your spending and your money management is suffering from it (such as debt is piling up), know that you can take steps to regain control.

Here, you’ll learn:

•   What compulsive shopping is

•   Causes of compulsive shopping

•   What impulsive shopping is

•   Causes of impulsive shopping

•   How to take control of compulsive or impulsive shopping

What Is Compulsive Shopping?

Compulsive shopping is defined as an uncontrollable desire to shop, resulting in a person investing large amounts of time and money in the activity. People who shop compulsively tend to make purchases regardless of whether they need or want an item — or can actually afford it.

Compulsive shopping, or compulsive buying behavior (CBB), is considered a mental health condition that can have negative consequences financially and personally. It can become a preoccupation and involve the loss of self-control. Compulsive shoppers may use excessive spending as a coping method to mask feelings of low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety. They may feel a high when buying something but often experience disappointment and guilt afterwards.

Characteristics of compulsive shopping include:

•   Obsessive research over coveted items

•   Making unnecessary purchases

•   Potentially dire financial issues as a result, such as bankruptcy, credit card debt, and foreclosure

Causes of Compulsive Shopping

Approximately 6% of adults experience compulsive shopping, which can express a variety of emotional needs and wants, such as:

•   Perfectionism. The shopper may be focused on finding the perfect item, which brings them feelings of satisfaction once discovered.

•   Desire to be in control. Purchasing items can make them feel as if they have achieved something when other aspects of their life are not well managed.

•   Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse. If a person has endured this kind of pain, buying items may feel like a reward that offsets this negativity.

•   Feelings of loneliness and depression. Buying items can be an exciting mood-lifter; a kind of high.

•   Mood, anxiety, or personality disorders. Compulsive shopping can be a self-soothing behavior.

What Is Impulsive Shopping?

Impulsive shopping is somewhat different from compulsive shopping, though some mental-health professionals consider them to be aspects of the same issue. Impulsive shopping tends to happen when a person gets caught up in the moment and spontaneously buys something. It’s a purchase without any forethought, planning, and it’s often not within a person’s budget.

People who impulse-shop are usually influenced by external triggers, such as seeing an item on sale or positively responding to a store’s atmosphere. Everyone indulges in some impulse-fueled retail therapy now and then. However, when these immediate gratification purchases become habitual, the behavior can morph into something uncontrollable and financially damaging. When it has this kind of negative impact, it nudges into the realm of a disorder.

Causes of Impulsive Shopping

Impulsive shopping can have a variety of causes, including:

•   Wanting to ease negative feelings or improve one’s mood with a “pick-me-up”

•   A need for fun or entertainment

•   Lower levels of self-control

•   Fear of missing out (FOMO) on items or experiences other people have

•   Materialism; placing value on owning possessions

Compulsive vs Impulsive Shopping: What’s the Difference?

While these two behaviors’ names may sound similar, they are actually distinct. Here are the key differences when one compares impulsive vs. compulsive shopping:

Tips for Combating Compulsive or Impulsive Shopping

Impulsive and compulsive shopping can tip into the danger zone and ruin your budget and financial fitness. They can also take up too much mental space. If you have entered that realm and perhaps are carrying a hefty amount of debt, taking control of the situation can feel overwhelming. But there is help. Consider these suggestions on how to get started if you think you’re a shopaholic:

Seeking Some Professional Help

Individual counseling with a mental health professional can help you get to the emotional root of your buying issues. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can effectively treat these shopping behaviors. Medication may also help manage unwanted or intrusive thoughts about shopping. Group therapy can also be beneficial.

Paying Close Attention to Spending Habits

Figuring out your particular shopping triggers can help you avoid or eliminate them. For instance, when buying, do you use credit cards instead of paying with cash or a debit card? Make shopping a priority over paying bills? Grocery shop without making a list? Being honest about how and why you may engage in certain overspending behaviors is vital to understanding the issue. Changing spending habits can then help you manage your finances better.

Recommended: Are You Bad with Money? Here’s How to Get Better

Having an Accountability Mentor

Get some support: A financial counselor, advisor, partner, family member, or friend can assist you on your journey to curb compulsive or impulsive spending. Try taking a trusted, non-judgmental confidant with you when you go shopping. Ask them to help rein you in if you start overbuying. You can also consider having them hold onto your credit cards to eliminate access, chat regularly with you to keep tabs on your progress, and be a sympathetic listener when you need to talk through your feelings.

National 12-step program support groups such as Debtors Anonymous (especially if you’ve racked up credit card debt) and Spenders Anonymous are also an option. They can connect you with others who are dealing with similar issues.

Setting a Budget

Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to gain control over your spending. A well-thought out budget will help with personal accountability and achieving financial discipline. Since life needs to be about balance and we all need to spend money on something fun here and there, try to set yourself up with the flexibility to splurge sometimes. This will help keep you from feeling completely deprived.

One suggestion is to consider incorporating the 50/30/20 budget rule. This guideline recommends spending up to 50% of your after-tax income on must-haves (say, housing, car payments, utilities, healthcare, and groceries). Then, take 30% of your money and reserve it for wants such as dinners out, vacations, concert tickets, electronics, and clothing. The remaining 20% should be allocated for investments, an emergency fund, debt repayment, or savings.

Recommended: 10 Personal Finance Basics

Minimizing Temptation

Many stores are carefully designed to get you to shop and spend, perhaps to an extreme. If a store’s atmosphere — the design, the scents, the music — tends to get you buying, avoid it. Don’t walk down the streets filled with your favorite shops; try to escape the triggers that make you shop too much. If you often spend free time at the mall or online shopping, sign yourself up for a class, take up a new sport, volunteer, or find other ways to fill the hours.

Online promotional discounts, coupon codes, and the ease of electronic transactions can make compulsive or impulsive shopping easier and more appealing. Go ahead and unsubscribe from retailer emails.

Curbing social media exposure can help, too. Research suggests ads and posts from social media influencers and seeing purchases from people in your social networks may encourage a “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, often leading to impulsive and compulsive buying.

Starting a No-Spend or 30-Day Savings Rule

A quick way to stop spending money is to freeze any non-essential spending for an entire month. Commit to a 30-day shopping ban on things such as clothing, make-up, tech gadgets, or take-out, and see how much extra money you have at the end of the month. The difference may be eye-opening and help you break the cycle.

Successfully controlling your spending can provide a feeling of accomplishment and a confidence boost. Participating in a no-spend challenge can even become a fun game; you can involve other budget-conscious friends and know you’re all in it together.

Recommended: Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

The Takeaway

Although there are differences between compulsive and impulsive shopping, both can seriously affect your financial and personal life. Facing your impulsive or compulsive shopping habits can be daunting, but taking positive, concrete steps is likely to help conquer the problem. Getting past this spending issue, whether by shifting your behaviors or seeking professional help, can be a positive step, both for you personally and for your finances.

Want to get a better handle on your spending? Get started today by signing up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account. You can easily track your weekly spending on our dashboard. What’s more, when you open a SoFi online bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no fees, so your money could grow that much faster.

FAQ

Is breaking a budget a sign of compulsive shopping?

Breaking your budget is not necessarily a sign of compulsive shopping. However, if you regularly deviate from your budget, spend money allocated for needs on wants, and find yourself saddled with credit card debt, you may need to rein in your compulsive spending. Analyze your shopping habits and budget to understand your behavior better.

Is making an impulse purchase a bad thing?

The reality is, most of us make occasional impulse buys, and they are not always such a bad thing. However, if this kind of shopping becomes habitual and leaves you with debt, pay attention and take steps to improve the situation.

How do I limit impulse purchases?

One way to limit impulse purchases is to avoid stores or websites where you know you tend to overspend. Also, ask yourself, “Do I need this or do I just want it?” when tempted to make a purchase. If the answer is the latter, wait 24 hours, and see if you still really want it. Your desire may dwindle during that cooling-off period.

Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBK0722006

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way people shop. While ecommerce sales have been on the rise for years, the need to stay home accelerated the growth of online shopping in the U.S.

To learn more about today’s online shopping trends, we used a multi-pronged approach that included:

•  A Survey: We surveyed over 1,000 people who regularly shop online (meaning at least once a week) to gain insights into current trends, especially as they relate to the new shopping landscape post-pandemic.

•  Social listening data: We analyzed 30,000 Twitter posts from March 2021 to March 2022, and leveraged customized research from Meltwater to gain further insights about online shopping while drunk, online shopping regrets, and online grocery delivery.

Read on for the 13 most compelling online shopping trends we’re seeing today.

1. Social influence: People buy what they see on social media.

The power of social media as a purchasing tool can’t be overstated.

According to our research, 74% of respondents say they’ve bought something they’ve seen on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. In 2017, only 40% of adults said they’d bought something after seeing it on social media.

What’s more, men are more likely to make these purchases than women: 78% of men say they’ve purchased something they’d seen on social media, compared to 70% of women who say the same.

2. Buy now, think later: Most online purchases are impulse buys.

If you’ve bought something on the spot while browsing online, you’re not alone: 56% of people say that more than half of their online purchases are impulse buys.

Comparing age groups, millennials are the most impulsive online shoppers, with 63% of respondents saying their online purchases are not planned.

Gen Z may be the most prudent online shoppers. Of all the age groups, they had the highest percentage of respondents who said none of their online purchases are impulse buys (12%). Boomers, at 10%, were a close second.

3. At some point, most people shop online while not totally sober.

One interesting finding from our research: A majority (53%) of respondents admit they haven’t been sober when making an online purchase.

Men are more likely to shop while intoxicated than women, with 60% saying they’d shopped online while not sober, compared to 40% of women who said the same. When looking at age groups, millennials (60%) are most likely to shop while not sober, and Boomers (37%) are the least likely to do so.

Online shopping while drunk isn’t necessarily a private activity. Some shoppers have shared their intoxicated online shopping adventures on social media.

According to Meltwater data, there was a 496% increase in the number of Tweets about drunk online shopping from 2020 to 2022.

While our survey found men to be more likely to engage in drunk online shopping, women were more likely to post about their intoxicated online shopping experiences on social media. According to our social listening data, millennial moms and wives made up the largest cohort of Twitter users who posted about drunk online shopping.

Clothing was the most discussed shopping category in the social posts we analyzed. About 10% of people who mentioned drinking and online shopping discussed buying items for their children.

Amazon was by far the most mentioned shopping source (83%) in posts about drunk online shopping in which the name of the store was included.

People are most likely to talk about drunk online shopping on Saturday between 9am and 10am, and Sunday from 6am to 7am (possibly recounting the night before). Interestingly, Thursday morning between 10 and 11 is also a popular time to discuss drunk online shopping.

4. Beer is the top drink of choice for intoxicated online shopping experiences.

Beer is the top drink for drunk online shoppers, with 54% of respondents saying they typically consume it before an intoxicated shopping experience. Wine (52%) was a close second, followed by cocktails (47%), and seltzers (42%).

The drinks of choice vary by age group. The most popular drinks for each generation are:

•  Boomers: Cocktails (30%)

•  Gen X: Beer (30%)

•  Millennials: Beer (28%)

•  Gen Z: Wine (31%)

5. Shoppers may not remember purchasing something online until it arrives.

Have you ever forgotten ordering an item until it arrived on your doorstep? A full 65% of our survey respondents say they have.

Of all the age groups, millennials were the most likely to order something and forget about it, with seven out of 10 respondents saying that’s happened to them. Boomers were the least likely to forget making an online purchase.

6. Just because stores have reopened doesn’t mean people are coming back.

The pandemic caused a massive ripple in worldwide markets due to government shutdowns. Apparently, the reopening of stores hasn’t done much to convince consumers to return.

The percentage of Americans who have recently visited a mall is less than half of what it was pre-Covid. Before the pandemic, about 56% of Americans said they visited a mall within the last 30 days. Now, just 26% of respondents say they’ve shopped at a mall in the last month.

Even with stores reopening, 39% of consumers say they will continue shopping online the same amount, and 37% say they plan to shop online even more. In other words, a majority of people will maintain or increase the online shopping habit they picked up during the pandemic.

7. Men spend more online shopping now than they did pre-pandemic, compared to women.

The pandemic has changed all kinds of consumer shopping habits, including the amount of money people spend online now versus what they spent before the pandemic. When comparing men and women, we found that:

•  25% of men are spending over $500 more on online shopping now than they did pre-pandemic

•  17% of women are spending over $500 more on online shopping now than they did pre-pandemic

•  37% of women are spending $100 or less on online shopping now compared to pre-pandemic days

•  29% of men are spending $100 or less on online shopping now compared to pre-pandemic days

8. People tend to order from Amazon at least three times per month.

People are ordering more from Amazon than ever before. The company’s profits increased 220% in 2021 from the previous year when the pandemic was in full effect.

A majority of respondents (65%) place three or more orders on Amazon each month. And 16% place more than five Amazon orders every month.

9. Shoppers are split on in-store vs. online clothes shopping.

Despite the convenience of online shopping, there was a near-even split between the percentage of people who prefer to shop for clothes online (52%) versus in-person (48%).

Boomers had the largest percentage of respondents (60%) who prefer to shop for clothes online. Gen Z had the largest percentage of respondents who prefer to shop for clothes in-person (55%).

While many online retailers have made it easier to return clothes, the inconvenience of having to ship items back may outweigh the inconvenience of having to drive to a store to try things on.

10. Items that look different online vs. in-person are a common source of purchase regret.

Buyer’s remorse is not new. However, with the rise of online shopping, we wanted to find out the most common reason people regret their online purchases specifically.

Apparently, it’s because items can look a lot better on-screen than in-person. The biggest reason our respondents regretted an online purchase was because they felt it looked different in real life compared to how it was presented online (26%). The second-most popular reason was overspending on an online purchase (22%).

Here’s a breakdown of the reasons people regret online purchases:

•  It looked better on the screen than in real life – 26%

•  I spent too much money on it – 22%

•  I do not use or wear it – 14%

•  It wasn’t what I wanted but I was too lazy to return it – 14%

•  I meant to return it but missed the window for returns – 13%

•  I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought it – 10%

When we analyzed social posts that discussed online shopping regrets, we found that the posters tended to be Gen Z women who are mothers, have dogs, and/or are writers or artists.

According to the social listening data, people regret buying clothing the most, and they regret buying beauty and health products the least.

11. Buy Now Pay Later: Convenient or confusing?

When looking at social posts about shopping regrets from March 2021 to March 2022, we noticed a spike in negative sentiment in February 2022. The spike was caused by a viral Bloomberg article that discusses the dangers and confusion around buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options while shopping online.

The article talked about how BNPL models can be misleading about how much they charge consumers, especially compared to credit cards. It discussed how using a buy-now-pay-later option can end up being more expensive than using a credit card.

Buy-now-pay-later is a relatively new concept for online shoppers, but it’s already gained popularity: More than one in 10 of our survey respondents (14%) say they prefer to use a BNPL service to finance their online purchases. If you choose to use buy now pay later, read all the terms carefully and make sure you fully understand how much you’re being charged. You may find that paying with a credit card is a more cost-effective option.

12. Haul videos are an influential source of shopping inspiration.

Our data shows that haul videos are an influential source of shopping inspiration. In fact, one-third of our respondents said the main reason they watch haul videos is to discover new products they might want to buy.

More than half (53%) of our respondents say they’ve bought something they saw on a haul video. When comparing different age groups, younger people appear to be the most influenced by haul videos, with 70% of Gen Zers saying they’ve bought something after watching one. Looking at men versus women, men are more likely to have purchased something they saw on a haul video (60%) than women (46%).

13. Online grocery delivery is here to stay.

While in-store grocery shopping continued during the pandemic, reluctance to be out in public opened the door for more options, such as grocery delivery apps and DIY meal kits.

In fact, 38% of respondents now use grocery delivery services but didn’t before the pandemic. And 48% of people have food or groceries delivered to their house at least once a week. Before the pandemic, only 3% of grocery spending occurred online!

We also found that 22% of people use meal kits such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh currently, but did not use them before the pandemic.

And on days when people don’t feel like cooking, online food delivery comes to the rescue. In fact, 28% of respondents said they now order meals from services like UberEats and DoorDash but never used to pre-pandemic.

When we asked respondents what they get when ordering food or groceries online, the most common answers were:

•  Sweet snacks (such as candy, cookies, ice cream): 45%

•  Salty snacks (such as chips, jerky, nuts): 43%

•  Vegetables and fruit: 42%

The Takeaway

Mass shutdowns and the reluctance to go out in public made consumers rely more on online shopping during the pandemic. And now that stores have reopened, people plan to continue shopping online at the same rate, or even more.

With so many consumers now embracing the convenience of online grocery and food delivery, leaving the house for necessities may become a thing of the past. One reason people might consider venturing out, however, is to buy new clothing. Nearly half of shoppers still want to try things on before they buy them.

A majority of people say most of their online purchases are impulse buys—and they’ve even forgotten they ordered something until it arrived at their door. Perhaps that has some correlation with the fact that more than half of our survey respondents say they haven’t been sober when shopping online.

There has also an increase in the use of the buy-now-pay-later model, which became popular during the pandemic. In fact, over 10% of our respondents say it’s their preferred payment method when shopping online. But buy-now-pay-later models can be misleading, and may ultimately end up costing buyers more than they expected.

Credit cards offer a similar type of financing, but are typically much clearer in their repayment terms and interest rates. They also often offer rewards.

Photo credit: iStock/AsiaVision
¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in direct deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus when they set up direct deposits of at least $1,000 over a consecutive 25-day period. Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of direct deposit. The Program will be available through 12/31/23. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 0.50% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.00% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOCC0622017

To be or not to be: Hamlet’s existential question may well be applied to the question of should I get a credit card. While stories of snowballing debt can scare people away, credit cards can be valuable financial tools when used responsibly.

Before you apply, however, you should consider the reasons why to get a credit card and understand the ins and outs of using one. Read on for a rundown of when you should get a credit card, and when you might reconsider.

What Is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a payment mechanism that can substitute for cash or a check. The credit card itself — a thin piece of plastic or metal that may be presented in physical form or saved on your phone — is usually an unsecured line of credit.

Your credit card will have a credit limit, which represents the maximum amount of money you can borrow. The average credit limit is around $30,000, but limits vary depending on credit history and credit score.

Your card will also come with an interest rate, which is the amount of interest you’ll pay on any balance remaining at the end of each billing cycle. Interest rates can range from 0% and up; a good APR for a credit card will depend on your specifics, such as your credit card, but in general, the lower the better.

Credit cards also may have rewards programs, such as travel rewards, cash back, access to events or programs and more. There may also be benefits included with a card like purchase protection and insurance offerings.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

When to Consider Getting a Credit Card

Should I apply for a credit card? The answer to this depends on a few factors. For one, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a credit card for the right reasons. Potentially valid reasons for why to get a credit card may include:

You want to build credit. A credit card can be a great way to build your credit history. By using a credit card and then paying off the balance on time and in full each month, you practice good credit habits and help improve your credit score. A strong credit score can potentially aid you in getting approved for car loans, mortgages, apartment rentals, and more.

You’re making a large purchase. Whether it’s a laptop for school or furniture for your apartment, putting a purchase on a credit card can provide purchase protection. This includes potentially being able to get your money back if the product isn’t as expected or services aren’t rendered. Additionally, some credit cards may offer promotional deals on APR, which could allow you to spread out your payments on your big purchase without paying interest.

You want more protection for your money. While fraudulent charges can still occur on a credit card, there are more protections in place to help protect your credit and identity with a credit card as opposed to cash or a debit card. Many major credit card companies even offer zero liability protection, which means you aren’t liable for any fraudulent charges made on your card in the event of theft or fraud.

You’re planning a trip. A credit card can be a good “just in case” tool to have in your wallet if you’re traveling. Some people like using a credit card for trip planning and expenses. Credit cards also may offer travel perks, such as checked baggage at no cost, or insurance protection, depending on the card.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card

Things to Know Before Getting Your First Credit Card

A credit card can make you feel like you have financial freedom. But with freedom comes responsibility. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you get your first credit card:

Pay your bills on time. Your payment history is a large part of your overall credit score. Setting up autopay as soon as you get your card can ensure that you never accidentally miss a payment.

Understand your credit utilization ratio. Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of money you owe on your cards compared to how much money is available for you to borrow. The lower your credit utilization ratio, the better. Even if you can’t pay your balance in full, paying as much of the balance as you can is helpful in keeping your credit utilization ratio low.

Check your statement every month. Be aware of how much you’re spending on the card. Check your statements and flag any charge that seems unfamiliar. This could be a sign of fraudulent activity.

Create financial habits that stick. Some people like to use their card for automated payments each month on a standard bill, like a cell phone bill. Others like to use their card for specific purchases, like gas or groceries. There are many “right” ways to do credit cards, so it’s helpful to figure out what works for you before you start swiping.

Stay within your means. Some people are tempted to spend when they have a credit card. Make sure to stick within your means and only purchase what you would have been able to cover with cash. It isn’t easy to get credit card debt forgiveness if you take on more debt than you can handle, so you’ll want to avoid that road if possible.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

When Not To Consider Getting a Credit Card

You know yourself best, and you may have a sense opening a credit card may make it too tempting to go overboard. Here are some reasons to not open a credit card:

A partner or friend is pressuring you to do so. If a partner or friend needs access to money and suggests you open a credit card, this could lead to pressure to spend beyond what you can afford.

You’re still working on money management. If you’re still working on money management, sticking to debit cards or buy now, pay later arrangements may help you build up to being able to confidently use a credit card.

You want to buy something you can’t afford. It may be tempting to put a trip or a big purchase on a credit card, but this can potentially cause your finances to spiral out of control. Even if a credit card offers 0% interest, only putting what you can afford to pay off on a credit card is a good rule of thumb.

Pros and Cons of Opening a Credit Card

Weighing the pros and cons of a credit card can help you assess whether or not you should get one.

Avoiding Credit Card Traps

As evidenced in the history of credit cards, high interest rates and the ease of spending beyond your means with a credit card can land you in debt. However, you can have a credit card and avoid these traps with these tips in mind:

•   Only spend what you can afford. One way to avoid racking up debt on your credit card is to treat your credit card as you would cash. This means only spending as much as you already have in your pocket, with other budgetary concerns still in mind.

•   Always pay your balance in full. Whenever possible, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month. This can help you from incurring interest, which can easily tip you into a debt cycle and make it more difficult to pay off your credit card balance in subsequent months.

•   Set your bill payments to autopay. You can always set the autopay to the minimum, then manually log in and pay the balance in full. This will ensure you’re always on time with your payments — an important factor in determining your credit score.

•   Check your credit card statement each month. Make sure to look over your statements every month to check for any errors or unexpected charges. This can also help you to notice your spending habits and anywhere you can potentially cut back.

•   Don’t get stuck chasing rewards. Rewards can be a helpful part of how credit cards work, but as you’re learning to use credit, simpler is better. Consider sticking to just one card in the first few years of building credit, and be careful about spending just to snag rewards.

Alternatives to Using a Credit Card

There are alternatives to credit cards, which can still give you some of the benefits that a credit card might offer.

Use Buy Now, Pay Later Loans

Loans that offer fixed payment strategies to pay off a purchase are becoming more popular. Called installment loans, these loans offer funds that cover the amount of a purchase. Many do not charge interest, but late fees may apply for missed payments.

Like credit cards, it can be easy to overspend with a buy now, pay later loan. Additionally, your creditworthiness may get checked each time you use one of these loans to cover a purchase, which could negatively impact your credit score if it’s a hard inquiry.

Become an Authorized User

As an authorized user, your name is added to someone else’s credit card account, such as that of a parent. In some cases, you may get your own card and be able to make purchases. But in other cases, the person may add you to the card without giving you access. Either way, this can help build your credit history and credit score without the responsibility of having a credit card account under your own name.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Consider a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card can be helpful for people who don’t have a credit history and may not be able to get approved for a traditional credit card. With a secured credit card, you may pay a deposit, such as $500. This then becomes your credit limit. Over time, and with good credit behavior, you may be able to switch your card to a traditional, unsecured card.

FAQ

Should I get a credit card at age 18?

You can get a credit card at age 18, but you don’t have to do so. If your parents or a relative has a good credit history, consider asking to become an authorized user on their account, which can help build your credit. Keep in mind that if you do decide to apply for a credit card at 18, you must either provide proof of income or get a cosigner.

Are there risks of having a credit card?

Risks of having a credit card include spending beyond your means. This, coupled with high interest rates, could lead to debt that is hard to pay down. By learning to use a card responsibly, you can help mitigate these risks.

How do I choose the right credit card?

The right credit card for you depends on multiple factors, including how you plan to use the card, the interest rate offered, and the perks and rewards of the card. But it’s okay to keep things simple for your first credit card and not get too into the weeds comparing rewards and perks. As you build your credit, you can potentially explore additional cards.

How can I get a credit card with no credit history?

If you have no credit history, you can become an authorized user on a relative or trusted friend’s account. Another option is to apply for a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you’ll put down a deposit that will become your credit limit. You can then use the card to build credit. Over time, you may be able to switch your credit card from a secured credit card to an unsecured credit card as your credit grows.

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Photo credit: iStock/Georgii Boronin
SOCC0322007