Prices Begin Climbing as Trump’s Tariffs Hit U.S. Consumers (Photo: Business Times)More working-age Americans are relying on credit cards to pay for groceries as elevated food prices continue to strain household budgets, according to a new Urban Institute survey. The survey found that more than one in three working-age adults used a credit card to buy groceries in 2025. Many of those respondents also reported difficulty paying off their balances, indicating that credit cards are being used for necessities rather than discretionary spending. Consumer advocates say relying on credit cards for everyday necessities can become increasingly expensive when balances are carried from month to month. Financial experts warn that using credit cards to cover essential expenses can create an ongoing cycle of debt.