Several recent studies have illuminated a unique trend this holiday season - consumers are avoiding credit cards as they shop online. and in brick-and-mortar stores, reports Times Magazine.


According to the news source, one survey estimates that 13 million Americans are paying off debt from last holiday season. This is largely seen as part of the reason that consumers have left their plastic at home and opted for cash payments or other credit-free methods.

Opting out of using credit cards allows consumers to practice better money management, as they will be less likely to overspend. Those who do use credit may find that they're only adding on to their already mounting debt.

The New York Times reports that credit card usage over the Thanksgiving weekend was at its lowest in 27 years.

"The consumer really feels a lot of pressure from previous debts, and they just aren't going to dig themselves into that kind of a hole," Britt Beemer, chief executive of the research firm America's Research Group, told the news source.

Those who want to become debt free. this Christmas should strive to avoid using their credit cards when making purchases, according to MSNBC.