Credit cards help responsible users build their credit and can come in handy in an emergency, but for many people, using credit cards can easily turn into a bad habit that results in a serious amount of debt. Thinking about signing up for another credit card? Consider the following reasons to avoid taking on a new line of credit before you do:

1. You Want to Buy Something You Can’t Afford

We’ve all been in the position of needing or wanting something that is just outside of what we can afford. Though credit cards give one the option to use their line of credit as disposable income, this isn’t a healthy financial decision. If you’re hoping to increase your spending limit, don’t count on credit cards to do so.

2. You Hope to Offset the Costs of College

College students often turn to credit cards to offset their school expenses. Many students often pile this credit card debt on top of their student loan debt, resulting in a financial quagmire that will take years to escape. Though it isn’t as exciting to live on a shoestring budget that most college students stick to, living within your means is much better than signing up for another credit card you can’t afford.

3. You Can’t Use the Credit Cards You Already Have

If you’ve run through all of your credit cards already, you may think it’s a good idea to take out another line of credit. Even if you have every intention of paying everything off, White Mountain Partners shares that turning to another credit card while you have a mountain of other debt is a quick way to dig yourself further into debt.

4. You Want to Take out More Cash

Tired of having to rely on the cash that’s in your bank account? If you’re hoping to apply for a new credit card just to have more cash on hand, think again. Though some credit card companies advertise that you can withdraw cash from your credit card, this isn’t the best option for you. Even though a swipe of your credit card can quickly give you access to hundreds of dollars in cash, this cash is still debt.

5. You Can’t Pay Your Rent

Rent comes around every month, but life often has its own share of surprises. If the end of the month is near and you’re considering applying for another credit card to help you pay your rent, this is a bad idea. White Mountain Partners warns that getting into the habit of turning to a credit card for regular bills will result in an unstable financial situation. Instead of trying to rely on credit at this point, consider other options for additional sources of income to pay your bills.

Though there are legitimate reasons to use credit cards, there are several reasons to avoid them. Keep this information in mind as you research best practices for using your credit cards and before applying for a new line of credit.