Consumers warned over `convenient` credit cards

Using credit cards as a way of completing this year`s Christmas shopping is "convenient" but overspending on them could lead to debt advice being sought, an industry expert has suggested.

A number of credit card companies offer "flexible" deals on interest rates and repayment schedules, Sainsbury`s Bank claimed.

However, consumers are predicted to spend more during this festive season than last year, potentially causing debt problems in the new year. Donald MacLeod, head of cards at Sainsbury`s Bank, said choosing carefully will lead to fewer debt problems in 2008.

Mr MacLeod added: "I was surprised at…the fact that people were going to spend more this year than last year. All the press comment at the moment has been about there being a squeeze on [spending], but this doesn`t appear to be the case."

Research by Sainsbury`s suggested that £2.1 billion will be put onto credit cards in the week leading up to Christmas Day.