Have you ever wondered why your credit card bill keeps getting bigger, even if you pay the minimum balance each month? It’s not just you – this is a common problem that many people face. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the reasons behind this phenomenon.

Credit Card Companies Exist to Make Money

Credit Card Companies Make Money By Charging Interest – As Much As They Can

The first thing you need to understand is that credit card companies are businesses, and like all businesses, their goal is to make money. One of the ways they do this is by charging interest on the balances that customers carry each month. The amount of interest you’re charged depends on several factors, including your credit score, the type of credit card you have, and the current prime rate.

If you’re carrying a balance on your credit card, the credit card company is essentially giving you a loan, and they will charge you interest on that loan. The higher your balance, the more interest you’ll be paying. And if you only make the minimum payment each month, a large portion of your payment will go towards interest, rather than towards paying down your current balance.

Symple Lending warns that this is one of the reasons why your credit card bill keeps getting bigger, even if you’re making the minimum payment each month. The credit card company is trying to make as much money off of you as possible, so they’re not going to help you pay down your debt quickly.

Credit Card Companies Make Money By Charging Fees

Another way that credit card companies make money is by charging fees for various services. The Federal Reserve allows lending banks to charge a fee for cash advances, and some also charge annual fees just for having the card. Other common fees include balance transfer fees and late payment penalties.

Credit Card Companies Make Money By Offering Rewards Programs

One final way that credit card companies increase their profits is by offering rewards programs. These programs usually give you points for every dollar you spend, which you can then redeem for cash back, gift cards, or other prizes. Rewards programs tempt customers to spend more money than they otherwise would earn more points. This leads to what The Motley Fool calls “enhancement income.”

Conclusion

Now that you know how credit card companies make money, it’s easier to understand why your bill seems to keep getting bigger and bigger. However, there are things you can do to keep your debt under control. Try to pay off your balance in full each month, so you’re not accruing any interest charges. Avoid using cash advances and balance transfers whenever possible, as these usually come with high fees. Finally, be aware of the dangers of rewards programs. By following these tips, you can keep your credit card debt under control and avoid costly mistakes.