What type of debt is credit card debt?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 06, 2026
Credit card debt is a type of unsecured liability that is incurred through revolving credit card loans. Borrowers can accumulate credit card debt by opening numerous credit card accounts with varying terms and credit limits.
Why is a credit card a type of debt?
Credit card debt is a type of revolving debt. You can keep borrowing month after month as long as you repay enough that you never owe more than your credit limit. You’re charged interest on the debt when you don’t pay off your balance, and this will accumulate until you do, so you can get even further behind.
What’s the best way to avoid credit card debt?
How to avoid it: Pay your balance in full to avoid paying any interest on purchases. If you can’t pay in full, you may be charging more than you can afford to pay, but pay as much as you can each month until you’ve brought your balance to zero . Any time you borrow money, you’re creating debt.
What are the dangers of having a credit card?
Credit Cards Come With a Risk of Credit Card Fraud. To some degree, everyone with a credit card is at risk of being a victim of credit card fraud. Your credit card itself can be stolen, or a thief can steal your credit card information from a company you’ve shopped with.
What happens to your credit card balance when you go into debt?
If you can’t pay in full, you may be charging more than you can afford to pay, but pay as much as you can each month until you’ve brought your balance to zero . Any time you borrow money, you’re creating debt. The more you borrow, without repaying, the deeper you go into debt.
What happens if you don’t understand your credit card terms?
Misunderstanding your credit card terms can have serious consequences – like increased fees or interest rates or damage to your credit. How to avoid it: Understand the different types of balances you can carry on your credit card and the interest rate that applies to each. Read through your rewards program to learn what purchases earn rewards.