Credit Cards?

United States
June 9, 2011 9:15pm CST
Some say they are a tool that will build credit, others say they are the worst choice that they have ever made. What is your opinion on credit cards? I have never applied for a credit card, but I thought about it. Right now I would not get a credit card because I know I am not financially stable enough for a credit card, but I would like to eventually build some credit for myself and I know credit cards are a option. So, let me hear your verdict, is it worth it or not worth it?
10 responses
@jennyze (7028)
• Indonesia
10 Jun 11
I watched Oprah show about Credit Cards effect on some people. It is different on every people, it really depends on how they view a credit card and if they are wise enough to use it. As to me, I found it useful especially when I need some funds in an emergency. I can return the money I drew from it the next month before it's due, that way I don't have to pay the interest.
• United States
15 Jun 11
For me, when I need help I run to my sister... she is a lawyer and she always keeps emergency money put up and I can borrow it from her. She knows I can pay her back because when I get my school refund checks, I can pay it all back at once. I'm glad I have her, at least it is no interest.
@jennyze (7028)
• Indonesia
15 Jun 11
Well, that's good if you have someone to turn to when you need it. But it is always wise not to depend on someone but yourself in future.
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
10 Jun 11
I have applied for credit card before to use it for travelling but to no avail. Lastly I have to use my own money that is cash for travelling. I don't know why they dissapprove my application but since it is then I take it.
• United States
15 Jun 11
I have had my applications denied from retail stores because they expect a person to already have established credit, but I haven't tried other stores... and I tried retail stores when I was really young.
• United States
15 Jun 11
Sorry, meant to say I haven't ever tried to apply for a card with big companies like capital one, or american express, or anyone like that. The only reason I have ever applied before for one is because my friends were trying to talk me into getting one for like clothing stores. Which the last thing I need is more clothes... that is my weakness.
• Philippines
10 Jun 11
Hi!redeemgurl. For me, it's good to have a credit card. Credit card is very convenient to use. There's no need to bring cash with you when shopping. It will also help you on those times that you run out of cash and for emergencies as well. If ever you decided to get one, just apply and maintain only one credit card. If you have many, the tendency is you might overspend unless of course, if you have a lot of self control and discipline to resist the temptation of overspending and impulse buying. Have a nice day!
• United States
15 Jun 11
Thanks for the tips!
@samrie29 (112)
• Philippines
10 Jun 11
It's a good choice that you decided not to acquire a credit card if you believe you are not financially stable. Having a credit card can really be tempting and you might get into trouble if you're not responsible enough to maintain it. Credit cards are for emergency purposes only and that is if you really ran out of cash. Rule of thumb in getting a credit card is that you should be responsible enough to pay your credit once you have extra cash to avoid debt.
• United States
15 Jun 11
I bet that is the hardest part... to have extra cash and have to pay a credit card bill verses do something fun. I think I would look at it as a bill that must be paid if I had one, but I would think "gosh, what I could have done with this extra money." LOL! I am going to hold off for one now, but I might think about it later on. Thanks.
@yspmyl (3435)
• Malaysia
10 Jun 11
There are nothing related to worth it or not worth it to use credit card since you don't need to pay anything to apply for a credit card. Having credit card actually have it advantage if you know how to use it in a proper way and the most important is that you must have very strong self control and good discipline. Or else you will definitely bring your self into a deep mud once your have overspend and cannot afford to pay off the debt. For me, credit card is very convenience that I do not need to bring a huge sum of money along. So, for me it is good to have a credit card.
• United States
15 Jun 11
I am pretty good at managing money... but a lot of people say despite being good at managing money, it is so easy to spend with a credit card and not pay it back.
@xyzm12 (26)
• United States
10 Jun 11
In my opinion from my own experience they can be good to keep around for emergenices such as if your car breaks down. Or if your bank account goes under zero a linked card can provide overdraft protection. Otherwise I say try to avoid credit cards if you can. I know they can be tempting especially when you are in need of money, but they have a way of drawing you in. It can easily become a crutch if you know what I mean. If you do decide to get one make sure you do a little research first. You want one that has a low interest rate, and preferably no annual fees. Also, look for one that limits your credit to a certain amount. Why?.. I say this because when you see you have a 2500 dollar limit instead of say a 500 dollar limit it becomes so easy to want to use that money :)
• United States
15 Jun 11
I believe it, I have seen so many people get a credit card and run it up in less than a week, then have bad credit for years!
• United States
10 Jun 11
When deciding to get a credit card, the first thing a person should decide is just exactly what do they want the credit card for. There are many different types of credit cards and the correct choice for an individual should be based on what they want the credit card to do. Many people who have gotten into trouble with credit cards did so partly because they chose the wrong type of credit card. If you are trying to establish credit only, then the easiest and sometimes safest way is with a store or gas station credit card. They are often easier to get than a major bank credit card and are generally only good at the particular chain of stores or gas stations. This can help people to not overspend. However, if used wisely they can establish a good credit rating. If you are needing a nationally recognized credit card for car rentals or to take care of emergencies then a secured credit card can be a good way to start. A deposit is made with the credit card company or bank which gives you a credit limit up to that amount. This type of card will also establish credit. Your local banker is a good place to start. They should be willing to explain the options available to you and help you choose the method of establishing credit that fits your particular situation. You can also search the internet for 'credit cards for people with no credit' and 23,500,000 pages come up. That is more than enough information to find the right one. Credit is only a tool. It can be used wisely or handled poorly. If handled correctly you can wind up with a good credit rating, a card that pays you back cash each month, no annual fee and no interest if you pay it in full each month. If handled poorly a person can wind up with a poor credit rating and debts that they will be paying on forever. Just do your homework. It can be confusing but it is worth the time, in the long run.
• Singapore
10 Jun 11
It really depends on the type of person you are, if you know ur not going to be spend-hungry, why not get one for the ease? If your some1 hu wud spend money like its water dat needs to flow, then obviously you shouldn't get any credit cards, you didn't tell us how you operate in life so we can't help you make your decisions right??
@moirai (2853)
• Philippines
11 Jun 11
Hmm... I don't quite understand what it means to 'build credit'. For me, personally, I still prefer to spend only if I have money to spend. I generally do now want to spend money that I don't have yet. Who knows, what if something happens and I don't get that money I'm expecting? Or what if something comes up and I am forced to spend the money elsewhere. But that's just me. I understand that for some people, credit cards can be a help. But I think they have to make sure that they are able to exercise enough discipline when using these credit cards. =P Do not overspend. Do not let credit cards give you a false sense of security. Always think whether you will be able to cover the charges in time. And when it comes time to pay, pay right and on time. Do not delay as much as possible.
@frogzy (84)
• India
10 Jun 11
Simply, keep in mind these 6 points: 1. If you are not financially stable, avoid credit cards. 2. If you have a good monthly/weekly income, and it is stable, then think thrice about credit card, its requirements, and pros & cons... If you really feel need of it, then apply for one. 3. If you feel weight of paper money, use debit cards. (avoid credit cards) 4. If you have credit cards, think thrice before use it. 5. If you really buy on credit, fund your card/bank as soon as possible. 6. Never use credit cards in suspected places/websites/situations (e.g: nearby peoples/friends/surveillance cameras). Hope this really helps! Have a nice day!