Report: More Ohioans Rely on Credit Cards for Basic Needs

By NADIA RAMLAGAN Ohio News Connection

More than 1 in 3 Ohioans are relying on credit cards for spending needs, and nearly a quarter say they’ve increased their credit-card use in response to cost-of-living increases, according to a new report.

Michael Welker, editor of Upgraded Points, a website tracking credit-card reward and travel programs, said when the pandemic began, people spent less and got a financial boost from stimulus checks, leading to lower credit-card balances overall. Now, persistent high inflation is causing many to use credit to cover basic household expenses.

Welker said it poses a risk as interest rates rise.

“As you carry over balances month to month and interest starts to accrue, potentially it’s going to be even harder to pay down your debt,” Welker said. “That’s going to be even more pressure, in terms of covering your household expenses.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new regulations that would, among other changes, cap late fees for credit-card payments at 25% of the minimum payment amount. The agency is taking public comments about its proposal until April 3.

According to the report, nationwide more than 95% of people with annual incomes below $75,000 said they are feeling stressed about inflation. Welker recommended using credit cards only when needed to meet basic expenses, and shifting habits instead to reduce dining out, entertainment and other leisure spending.

“Be more mindful of your spending,” Welker suggested. “Figure out where you might be able to cut or trim back, find less expensive alternatives.”

He said consumers may soon feel relief as the federal government works to combat inflation, but only those who rein in their credit-card use.

“The Fed is still raising interest rates trying to tame inflation,” Welker said. “Potentially, at some point later in the year, we finally start to see that come down to a more manageable level.”

In another survey, by Clever Real Estate, 40% of Americans believe high prices are the “new normal,” and 62% say they expect everyday prices will be even higher this year.

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Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.

Pictured at top: Photo courtesy of pexels.com.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.