Credit cards

This living topic provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities surrounding the use of credit cards, including the potential benefits and dangers. The content explores various credit card options, such as rewards cards, balance transfer cards, and cards tailored for specific demographics like students and those with poor credit. It also delves into the risks of high-interest rates, deferred interest traps, and the implications of increasing credit card debt amid economic shifts. Additionally, it highlights regulatory changes, consumer protection measures, and the impact of fintech innovations on credit card use. Through expert advice and real-world examples, the topic aims to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls in managing credit card debt.

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Buy now, pay later use nears a record

Lower-income families are using it the most and feeling the squeeze

Jul. 24, 2026 By Mark Huffman

Fifteen percent of active cardholders used a buy now, pay later service during the second quarter of 2026.

Adoption is growing fastest among households earning less than $40,000 and families with children.

Renters and younger adults remain the most likely consumers to use installment-payment services.

Buy now, pay later services are attracting more consumers, but new transaction data suggest some of that growth may be driven by mounting financial pressure on lower-income ho...

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2026