<|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|>Your credit card company doesn't have your best interests at heart.
Credit cards have caused financial pain for millions of consumers. It's easy to run up a balance, but as too many people find out the hard way, it's a lot<wm> of trouble.

**[Insert debt collector warning: if you're struggling to keep up with payments, call credit card companies immediately and request a hardship plan and any help available. You have the power to protect your credit score.]**

Credit cards have many benefits and pitfalls.
For a fraction of the cost, credit cards can provide:
Better payment convenience
Rewards and benefits that can improve credit score
Protection from steep late fees and charges
An easy-to-use card, a key is not a game</wm>. Over a decade and 45 million people worldwide use credit cards, the practice seems harmless. However