I’ve broken my own promise not to use my credit card until it looks a little bit more health yet

How about not having a credit card if it can create so many issues for you?

I don’t see any problem with using a credit card as long as you pay it off in full each month.
I have a John Lewis one which earns me points for each purchase (double in the JLS partnership , Waitrose etc) and I have just had a £10 voucher from them.
I always pay the card bill in full and so there are no interest charges.

If you don’t want to use it give it to someone to look after for you or cut it up and when you want to use it, tell the bank you lost it.

Same here May but it’s not that easy for many folks these days. I use M&S as well as JL and noticed that last month’s minimum payment was a fraction of the credit charge - no wonder people get into difficulty.
Years ago, a friend gave me her credit card for 6 months to stop her using it and I helped her do a balance transfer to a zero percent card to pay it off. I’ve also heard of people freezing their card into a block of ice, so it’s not readily available - was that in a film too?
Hope the dress looks good multi.

Ditto, Maw. Had mine for years and never had a problem. Recently bought a very smart new tv with the vouchers which have lain untouched for a while. Particularly appreciate that they have no expiry date.

MayBeMaw i too have a card which gives rewards so far i have had over 400.00 in cash from mine over the past couple of years. I use it for literally everything as i know i will get points. Like you i pay it off in full every month so win win all round. Currently i am saving the money to put towards my car insurance renewal in the new year. I put money aside each month towards the insurance but it always goes upeach year so the extra will hopefully cover that.

I have had a credit card some time but never ever used it I keep it for emergencies

I assume you’re not able to pay off the cost of the dress when the credit card bill lands? If that’s the case have you worked out what the actual cost is including interest is going to be?
I use my card a lot but always pay it off each month.

It’s very difficult to manage without a credit card these days Hithere, not for the credit facility but because so many places ask you to use it and leave it open, eg restaurants and hotels, and it’s safer to buy things online with a credit card.
Freezing your card now is a good option, I hope you like the dress multicolourswapshop, how exciting!

There is no problem with using a Credit Card if you pay it in full. But if the OP writes 'until it looks a bit more healthy' then it probably is a problem, and with massive interest rates.

Unpaid debts and those massive interest rates are a real issue for 1000s of people, many are being kept in constant poverty and dragged down by debts and said interest rates.

Mine is fully paid off automatically every month by direct debit.

The only reason I use it is that it provides protection when shopping online.

I just had to buy it

I don't know your full story regarding debt and credit cards OP but I tentatively suggest that people have to buy food but maybe not many people have to buy a dress.

Why don’t you just cut up your credit card OP and live within your means? You don’t sound as though you are likely to keep that promise you say you made if the card is still available. I totally agree with scones’s comment. Frankly I would have been too ashamed to post what OP did if I were in that position.

I have had a credit card for years and only ever use it for Amazon and it’s paid off every month by direct debit… I must say it’s a startling amount this month but that’s Christmas for you !

Depends doesn’t it?

If you can make all your other payments, mortgage, utilities, food, etc then the interest on your credit card is just how you choose to spend your extra money.

If the credit card and a dress takes most of your money and you’re struggling with the essentials, then you really need some help.

Not sure if it’s a lighthearted post or a real problem?

Never had one and never will so it is possible to manage without one. I never buy anything on tick and save up before I buy something unusual even if that takes months. Cut it up and get rid of it as it sounds like it’s leading you into temptation.

Not very charitable gsm, ‘be kind’ seems to have got a bit lost on GN lately.
I have a card I use for internet purchases, I too pay it off when due, but some years ago it wasn’t the case. I was going through a divorce, I’d lost 50% of the household income, but still had bills to pay with two children to support emotionally and keep their environment stable.
So yes I racked up a credit card debt and yes, I probably bought the odd unnecessary thing for the children or myself to provide a bit of cheer.
We never know the situation other people are in, hopefully the OP appreciates the constructive suggestions from some.

Agree about being kind and 'charitable'. Sometimes, the truth has to be said. Racking up credit card debt to provide a bit of cheer is totally understandable. But the truth is, that in many cases, and for the most vulnerable, interests rates of 15-30% and more for some 'pay day loans' - will reap nothing but misery and often, worse.

I don’t think the OP was asking for suggestions.

She was just telling us what happened.

I just hope it was a reputable site.

You can use a debit card in a pub/restaurant to keep your tab open. It doesn't have to be a credit card.

I find this thread a bit preachy though.

Quite jaxjacky. I was in a pretty dire financial position when my first husband left me and I had a small child to support on my own. I bought only what was necessary to feed and clothe him and keep a roof over our heads. I would never have publicised my unhealthy financial position, of which I was deeply ashamed though the debts weren’t run up by me, or say I just had to have a dress. Clothes for my son were essential, for me they absolutely weren’t. OP seems to think this is funny. Having been there through no fault of my own and slowly climbed back to financial health I find it anything but funny. Some people have no option but to rely on credit to buy basics, not extravagances. My sympathy is reserved for them.

I don't think she has given any indication that she finds it funny

I think it was lighthearted- dont you?

The post was light-hearted IMO.