Teens Having Trouble Paying For Gas

Some Tulsa teens say they're having a tough time paying for gas. So, more of them are using plastic at the pump.

The cost to fill up is driving some teens toward credit cards.

"It's unbelievable but using a card sometimes it helps you get so much off," said 18-year-old Sarah Disch.

Disch says without it her wallet would definitely take a hit.

"My parents give me the privilege of paying gas for me so I use their credit card," said Disch.

She's not the only teen doing that. According to a recent poll from the Allstate Foundation and Junior Achievement about 70% of teens are using plastic to pay for gas.  That's up from about 52% from last year.

That same poll says gas is now the top item teens buy with credit, topping clothes which led the list in previous years.

"My credit cards are for food and gas and cash is for clothes," said Jerrika Kern.

Like Sarah, Kern says paying with credit is just easier, but she knows using it can also be pricey.

"Credit cards are bad just to let you know. I do charge a lot, but my dad helps me out, too," said Kern.

But if mom and dad don't foot the bill, there may be another way to hold onto your cash.

"Not drive as much. Try to catch a ride if you can, you gotta get around," said Brian Odea.

Odea doesn't have access to credit cards yet says it's definitely saving him money.

Junior Achievement says if teens are passing off debt to their parents, it's important they all sit down and talk about the proper use of credit.