Stretched household budgets, as well as incentives such as cash-back offers and loyalty rewards are ... [ ] pushing more consumers to fund their holiday purchases with credit cards this year.

It’s looking like more Americans will be paying off their holiday gifts and spending long after the holidays have ended.

That’s due to the increased use of credit cards and the growing popularity of other methods of delayed payment.

A big part of the reason why consumers are using plastic to pay for Christmas and other holiday celebrations this year is economic. Inflationary pressures have caused U.S. households to take on more debt this year.

But it also reflects shifts in shopping habits and marketing efforts such as loyalty programs and cash-back rewards, as well as widespread Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs, which are encouraging the use of credit cards and delayed payments.

Forecasters have been surveying consumers about their holiday intentions for decades, and consumers who are feeling strapped due to prices or a tough economy........

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