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The Daily Insight Hub

What are the consequences of using a credit card irresponsibly?

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on February 19, 2026

Risk of Getting Into Debt Any time you borrow money, you’re creating debt. The more you borrow, without repaying, the deeper you go into debt. Debt leads to a myriad of other problems, and not all of them are financial. Debt can lead to stress, depression, and other health issues, all of which can have serious impacts.

How can I fix my incorrect credit history?

Your letter should: Ask the credit bureau to remove or correct the inaccurate or incomplete information. Include: your complete name and address….The credit bureaus also accept disputes online or by phone:

  1. Experian (888) 397-3742.
  2. Transunion (800) 916-8800.
  3. Equifax (866) 349-5191.

Can someone mess up your credit?

Late payments and delinquent accounts under your name can destroy your credit, and you may even end up with debt collectors coming after you for unpaid bills and penalty fees. Protect your credit score by never allowing another person to open up accounts under your name.

Why was my credit card declined by my bank?

If your card information falls into the wrong hands, a fraudster may use it for nefarious purposes. Hopefully, though, this would trigger the aforementioned safety measures to help prevent criminals from racking up debt in your name. If your card was declined because it’s flagged for fraud, your card issuer is already acting to protect you.

What happens if you give someone your credit card number?

Any time you write or type your credit card number and give it to someone in an unsecured, unencrypted manner (including on a piece of paper), you increase your risk of exposure. Some businesses, including vacation home websites, ask to hold your credit card number as a sort of deposit or guarantee. While not unusual, this isn’t very safe …

What happens if you miss a payment on a credit card?

Also, if you miss a payment, you’ll typically be charged a late fee. A penalty APR may be applied to your account as well. Your late payment may be reported to the three major consumer credit bureaus if it’s more than 30 days late, and it may stay on your credit reports for up to seven years.

What happens if my credit card is flagged for fraud?

It may have tried to contact you by phone, secure message to your online account, email, or regular mail. In any case, you should contact your issuer as soon as you realize (or suspect) that your card is flagged for fraud. The credit card company will likely deactivate the card and send you a new one.