Question

consumers who pay more than the minimum payment on credit cards
pay less interest in the long run.
are able to buy more things.
see their credit scores decrease.
qualify for mortgages.

Explanation:

• For the option "pay less interest in the long run": When consumers pay more than the minimum payment on credit cards, they reduce the outstanding balance faster. Since credit card interest is calculated on the remaining balance, a faster reduction in the balance leads to less interest being accrued over time.
• For "are able to buy more things": Paying more than the minimum payment doesn't directly increase purchasing power; it's about debt repayment, so this is incorrect.
• For "see their credit scores decrease": Paying more than the minimum (or on time) is good for credit scores, so this is incorrect.
• For "qualify for mortgages": Paying more than the minimum on credit cards is a positive debt - management behavior, but it's not a direct qualification for a mortgage (mortgage qualification depends on multiple factors like income, down payment, overall credit profile, etc.), and this option is not as directly related as the first option.

Answer:

A. pay less interest in the long run.