Credit card companies don’t just want your business—they want your debt.

Credit cards might seem like financial tools, but for banks and lenders, they’re carefully designed money traps. Companies aren’t in the business of helping you succeed financially—they profit when you’re stuck in a cycle of debt. With high interest rates, sneaky fees, and rewards that trick you into spending more, credit cards are set up to make sure you owe them money for as long as possible.
The real problem? Most people don’t even realize they’re being played. With clever marketing, psychological tricks, and fine print that no one reads, these companies know exactly how to keep customers swiping. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up paying way more than you ever expected. But once you see through their tactics, you can start using credit cards to your advantage instead of theirs. Here are the dirtiest tricks they use to keep you drowning in debt.

