Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Fortune
Fortune
Joseph Hostetler

Want to buy a car with a credit card? Tread carefully -- it's a terrible idea for most people.

Photo illustration of a credit card swiping through a green car as if it were a card payment reader. (Credit: Photo illustration by Fortune; Original photo by Getty Images)

If you want to earn credit card rewards for your spending—and you can pay off the balance in a month or two—it could be a wise move that could reap big rewards. But it's a bad idea if you can’t afford a car and don’t want to apply—or don’t think you’ll qualify—for an auto loan. Downright terrible, in fact.

So before you lace your shoes and head to the dealership, plastic rectangle in hand, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of this purchasing scenario. Doing so could save you a headache—and a whole lotta money.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.