A large number of Britain’s pensioners are using credit cards to make everyday purchases as a bid to get by.

According to recent figures from Key Retirement Solutions, one in five pensioners are lying in outstanding credit card debt averaging up to a total of £8,892 per person.

Director, Chris Tapp, of charity, Credit Action said: "Debt is a worry for people of all ages in the recession but it is particularly troubling for us to see a marked increase in the problems older people face."

Meanwhile, credit cards are the best option for when it comes to making online purchases, according to Equifax.

According to the financial advice firm, using a credit card to purchase items on the internet is safer and more secure as customers will be covered for any losses through the banking code.

Neil Munroe, external affairs director at Equifax, said that credit cards are "certainly very good because you do have that ability under section 75 of the consumer credit act where if you have any problems with the goods the credit company is as liable as much as the merchant who sold it to you."

According to consumer watchdog, Which? Post office and Saga offers some of the best credit card deals for those who intend to use them overseas.