The credit card market in the Philippines is growing and the household sector’s
increasing access to it could raise concern over how households might use the
credit cards given the negative consequences associated with its misuse. This
study examined the credit card usage pattern in Ozamiz City in terms of types of
commodities purchased through credit cards and card ownership and determined
how this pattern is influenced by the user’s socioeconomic status and attitude
towards debt. Survey method was used. The data were analyzed using the
independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results showed that the
type of commodities purchased with credit card is influenced by age, gender,
marital status, educational attainment and income level but not with the number
of dependents and the type of workplace organization. The credit card ownership
is influenced by age, marital status, educational attainment and workplace
organization but not the gender, number of dependents and income level.
Findings also showed that cardholders with the positive attitude towards credit
cards were less cautious of their credit card activities; thus, they were more
susceptible to riskier activities than those cardholders with the negative attitude
towards debt. Overall results showed that the credit card usage pattern varies
among different context. Results of this study can help issuing banks for more
effective regulation on credit and collection, as well as organizations that
promote financial education for consumer protection.