Incentives

• Consumers often use credit cards for the cash back bonuses, airline miles, reward points or other incentive plans earned by using the card.
  
  

Convenience

• Credit cards offer convenience. A consumer can purchase an item immediately and pay later without worrying about the exact balance in the checking account. For example, if you out of money and gas in the car on Tuesday when you do not get a paycheck until Thursday, you can still drive to work by purchasing gas on the credit card.
  
  

Interest Rates

• A financially savvy consumer may choose to use a low- or no-interest credit card to make purchases and invest his cash in a high-yield savings or investment account until the credit card comes due.
  
  

Emergency Fund

• Many consumers hold onto a credit card as an emergency fund to be used in a pinch. A major car repair, unexpected medical bills or other emergencies are easier to handle if there is a credit card available.
  
  

Impatience

• Some consumers use credit cards simply because they have not developed the patience necessary to wait until they can afford to pay cash for items they want.