Abstract: | This study investigates consumer credit use of 618 low income families selected from the 1983 and 1986 Survey of Consumer Finances. The low income family's ability and willingness to use credit along with selected interaction variables are tested in a hierarchical multiple regression model. Significant determinants of the amount of credit outstanding in 1986 were household head's employment status and age, credit balance in 1983, and two interaction variables: specific attitude toward credit with head's educational level and with debt balance in 1983. Implications of the use of consumer credit by low income families are discussed. |