I’m 22F and still living at home while I finish university. Although I’m not an expert with finances yet, I try to be responsible. I pay my parents £300/month in rent, cover my phone bill, buy my own essentials, pay for services like music streaming, and try to save whatever I can. Right now, I’m saving up for driving lessons and, if all goes well, eventually a car.
I also recently got a credit card to start building credit and learn to manage it properly. I only plan to use it for small things — never exceeding £100 total. So far, I’ve used it twice for purchases totaling £80 and paid it off quickly. I’m really cautious with it because I’ve heard enough horror stories about debt spiraling out of control.
The only person I told about the card was my dad. My mum tends to overshare, so I didn’t want her to mention it to my brother (28M) and sister-in-law (28F), who both have a history of poor financial decisions. Unfortunately, she overheard us talking and the news got to them anyway.
Not long after, my brother and SIL came to me and asked to use my credit card. Yes, seriously. They said that since my balance was nearly zero, it was “basically free money.” They admitted they’re already in debt due to credit card misuse but somehow thought my clean slate made it fair game.
I politely declined, explaining that I would be the one responsible for paying it back, and I wasn’t comfortable with that. Things went quiet — until a few days later when they showed up at our house and started pressuring me again. At first they were friendly, but it didn’t take long before they started demanding access to the card.
They even tried to get my mum to guilt me into it.
When my brother pulled the classic “you owe us — we used to babysit you!” line, I couldn’t help it — I laughed in their faces and walked out. Babysitting me as a child doesn’t entitle them to my credit card as an adult.
Later, I found out they also tried manipulating my dad into backing them up, and he ended up kicking them both out. Then my mum tried to pressure him too — and he told her to leave as well. She’s now staying with them.
Right now, my dad is the only one supporting me. He told me they’re trying to manipulate me because I’m young and they think I’m naive. Meanwhile, my mum, brother, and SIL all think it’s “not a big deal” to let someone else use my credit card.
This whole situation is messing with my head. I don’t want my family to be fighting, but I also don’t feel like I’m wrong. I just wanted to be financially responsible, and now I’m being guilt-tripped for it.
So Reddit… AITA?
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
[Reddit User] said: NTA. DO NOT let them bully you into committing fraud. Their debt is their responsibility. If they use your card, you’ll be the one paying for it, and your credit score will take the hit. I think setting a small limit is really smart and mature. Your dad’s right — they’re trying to take advantage of you just because you’re young.
Edit: No idea why this is getting awards — this is just common sense. But thank you!
Edit 2: Over 30 awards? Wow.
RhiRhi202 said: NTA. Your family is being incredibly manipulative. Credit cards aren’t free money, and they’re just trying to saddle you with even more debt.
[Reddit User] said: Definitely NTA. Just like your dad said, they’re trying to use and manipulate you. You don’t owe them anything. If they want payment for babysitting you, they can ask your parents — not you. They’re already in debt and clearly can’t manage finances. Keep your distance.
PastaMOnster said: NTA, sheesh. Hide your card and monitor your credit score just in case. You never know — they might try to open another card in your name.
Edit: Whatever the UK version of a social security number is — keep that safe too.
saucynoodlelover said: What kind of delusion are they living in? Credit cards aren’t “free money” — you have to pay it back. No wonder they’re drowning in debt. NTA. Never give your card to anyone. If you want to build credit through shared expenses, make sure you’re repaid fast. But never give out your card number or security code.
Surfer_wave_dolphin said: NTA. Your dad is absolutely right. It’s ugly when family tries to take advantage of family. Go hug your dad — he protected you.
[Reddit User] said: NTA. What kind of wild entitlement is this? Your credit card is YOURS. They’re not entitled to use it, now or ever.
MaskedSonnet said: NTA. Consider locking your credit card through your banking app. Most cards allow you to prevent any charges unless you unlock it yourself — helpful in case someone tries to steal or sneak it.
Chomper_The_Badger said: NTA. If your mom thinks it’s such a good idea, maybe she should lend them her credit card. They are absolutely trying to steal from you. And if they can’t pay off their own cards, they sure as hell won’t pay you back. Your mom seems like she’s enabling this behavior. You’re doing the right thing by protecting yourself.
SuperWomanUSA said: You’re 22, not 2. You know this is a terrible idea. Someone has to pay off that credit card — and guess what, that would be you. You’re not the a**hole. Grow a backbone, say no, and move on. Oh — and hide your card. They sound like the kind of people who’d just take it if they had the chance.
