CREDIT CARD OWNERSHIP AND DEBT STATUS IN MALAYSIA

This paper examines the role of socio-demographic and credit consumption tendencies in affecting credit card ownership and debt status. Based on a sample of 938 individuals from three major cities in Malaysia, card holders' debt status is measured in relation to credit card expenditure, which in turn is categorized into convenience users, low-risk credit revolvers and high-risk credit revolvers. While socio-demographic factors play significant roles in determining card ownership, card holders' credit consumption tendencies, such as past debt history and type of loan possessed, have varying adverse effects on the card holder's debt status.