There are like at least 200 things I would rather be doing than looking at credit cards and trying to decide which one to get. One of these things is posting on forums. But I have to do this majorly boring task because Richard Branson decided to shut down Virgin Credit Cards and so I don't have a credit card. I can't live with out a credit card, alas.

Lame to the max.

Why must you have a credit card? Credit cards are only for people to buy things they cannot afford, and I don't believe anyone should own one.

No wonder people get themselves into debt by spending up big on the credit card and not thinking about the bill.

Ask yourself if you really need one? What do you mean by 'not being able to live' without one? Is owning a Credit Card really a matter of life and death?

You have your own money, don't you? Use a Visa Card, at least that is your own money and you will not be spending more money than you actually have. Credit cards, IMO teach people to be irresponsible.

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PM - I use my credit card for EVERYTHING, but I pay the entire balance at the end of the month. It's not about using it for things you cannot afford, it's about the convenience of not having to carry cash or write a check.

Try shopping online without a credit card. Try renting a car without one. If I need to go to the store and buy something expensive, like a new couch, how can I do that without a credit card.

If used correctly, they can teach responsibility. If you get that bill at the end of the month and you don't have enough money in the bank, it teaches you to keep better track of your purchases. Sure, it may be tempting to only pay the minimum and let the rest slide, but when you get $30 in finance charges the next month, you'll learn your lesson.

I would recommend Blue from American Express. I am very happy with my Amex card and have accrued a nice amount of points. Some people like Capitol One, but I've heard some bad things about them.

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Scientist from Argentina discovered that people with insufficient brain and sexual activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse

^^ I agree with Jo. Credit cards, when abused (Just like anything!) can be a bad thing. But you cannot buy a house, among many things, without good credit. The reason for this is because when you go to the bank and ask for a loan, they need to see that you have good credit. No credit is just as bad as bad credit, I've been told.

Anyway, I'd agree about Amex. My grandparents have it and are very pleased with it, and I'll be getting one of them when I need my own.

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I would die without a credit card. I use it for everything and pay my balance off monthly. The only reason I carry cash is for strippers.

But seriously though if you have credit treat it well. It makes buying cars and houses easier and more affordable. Low interest rates and payments are a huge plus when making huge purchases. And if you don't have any credit, I would recommend getting some.

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How about to BUILD YOUR CREDIT, maybe? Having a credit card and using it responsibly is one of the BEST and most efficient ways to build up a solid credit score... which you need to: buy a house, rent an apartment, get a car, get a loan, do anything, etc.

As several people have already said, this is entirely untrue. I actually have several credit cards, for the sole purpose of building my credit; however, I also never buy anything that I could not afford that moment (I'm also terribly cheap). If I don't have the money to afford something, then I wouldn't buy it, credit card or not. They're also more convenient than carrying cash, writing checks, or using a debit card.

I have a debit card, but I never use it. Not only can I build up credit by using a credit card to pay for things (and then paying off the card each month), but I also get various rewards through my credit card, which I would not otherwise get if I were to use my debit card. The other reason I quite enjoy my credit cards is because they give you the ability to make payments over a period of time (without accruing interest on the remaining balance). I also like the fact that the money isn't taken directly out of my account that moment, that I can pay for all of my monthly purchases at once each month.

Just recently, I had to take my car in to get repaired. It cost me around $900 and then two months later I had to spend another $300 on a different repair. Instead of having to be out $1200 at once, I was able to pay a couple hundred every other week. It was easier to manage, because you never know when you may need that cash, so I don't like to be out such a large amount of money at once if I can help it. (With that credit card I had six months same as cash, so I wasn't going to be charged interest until after six months, which was plenty of time to pay off that bill.)

And like everyone else has said, I've always paid off my monthly balances on all of my credit cards (and I almost always pay the balance in full, the exception being car repairs where I'm able to split it up into more manageable payments). I also got my first credit card at 16, through my bank. It all depends on how responsible you are and that you're aware of the consequences of not paying off your bill (it's really the interest on credit cards that send people into debt, that and their own stupidity). As long as you have the mentality of only spending what you can afford, you're fine, and even more than that, having those credit cards will be an asset to you.

I vote YES for credit cards.

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I beg to differ. I know numerous people who own credit cards and can have (and afford) pretty much anything they want.

Secondly, you need credit, period. A good way to get good credit is to have a credit line with your bank (and yes, it's part of a 'credit' card, essentially). You need credit. Period. I'll keep reiterating.

Not everyone who has a credit card wracks up insane amounts of debt.
Some places require use of credit or ATM cards. I find using a credit card to be a better alternative, rather than linking my bank account through something like paypal.

Again, credit cards aren't always used for over zealous spending.




As far as credit companies go, if you're looking for actual credit as opposed to a line of credit through your bank, I can only recommend NEVER going through CitiBank. They sound nice at first but it's just a sanctioned scam. Your best bet in terms of actual credit though is going through a credit union if you are a part of one.

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LEGEN
wait for it and
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cause the second
half of that word is
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