Credit-card ease comes with a price

Convenience fees add up, so consider cash or checks for some transactions

These days, it often seems unnecessary to carry cash or even your checkbook, as credit cards are accepted just about everywhere.

Paying with plastic, however, can cost you. Some merchants add an extra surcharge or convenience fee onto each credit-card transaction, effectively penalizing you for using your credit card.

Below are some payments you might want to rethink using your credit card for:

Overseas purchases: If you’ve never traveled internationally, you’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise when you realize that, with many credit cards, you’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee for every purchase. Fees average about 3 percent and while that might seem small, it can add up quickly. Pay in the native currency as much as possible, or open a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

College tuition: This might be one of the most costly expenses you’ll ever incur, but using your credit card won’t help matters. Many colleges and universities do not directly accept credit-card payments, due to pricey processing fees, but they do allow you to pay through a third-party vendor. However, you’ll be forced to pay a surcharge, typically around 2.25 percent. The best way to avoid this fee is to write a check, but if that’s not an option, you’re better off taking out a Stafford loan. Not only are interest rates lower, you’ll also be able to create a customized payment plan that fits your budget — neither is possible when using a credit card.

Small businesses: Smaller businesses will often add a surcharge onto your final bill if you pay with a credit card to offset the processing fees. Merchants are required to inform you of the fee beforehand and are not permitted to charge more than 4 percent.

Rent: If you want to put your rent on your credit card to rack up rewards points or because you haven’t received your paycheck yet, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise. Many rental companies charge a convenience fee for making a rent payment online.

Parking tickets: There are few things more frustrating than returning to your car and finding a parking ticket on the windshield. Unfortunately, that ticket will get even more expensive if you opt to pay it online using a credit card, as many municipalities charge a convenience fee to offset the processing charge. Write a check and mail it in, or head to the parking authority to pay the fine in person.

Movie tickets: Don’t want to wait in line for tickets at the movie theater? Easy, purchase tickets from Fandango! However, you’ll have to pay a convenience fee for this luxury, which is usually about $1.25 per ticket.

Federal income taxes: If you’re like most people, you want to get your income taxes paid as quickly and easily as possible — which might mean heading to your computer and paying online with a credit card. However, you should be aware that the third-party processing companies used by the IRS charge a convenience fee that’s based on the total amount of your payment. Avoid this fee by writing a check and sending it into the IRS. Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time, so it’s postmarked by the due date.