Although it’s tempting, using a credit card shouldn’t be your default action for all types of payments. Here are a few times when you should opt towards not using the plastic.

1. Large purchases. Taking on a big purchase is scary, and it may seem like putting it on your credit card is the best idea, however, you might end up hurting yourself more with it. A large unpaid balance can negatively affect your credit score in the end.
2. Funding emergencies. In a similar way that taking on a large payment can be risky for your credit score, so can funding an emergency situation. In the moment of an emergency, it almost seems obvious to fund it quickly on your card, but if it’s a balance you can’t pay off, then it may not be worthwhile.
3. Paying taxes. Large convenience fees are charged (anywhere from 1.87 percent to 2.25 percent) if you opt to pay your taxes on a card. This is only worthwhile if you can transfer your balance for a zero APR rate.

Image via Upgraded Points.