Credit card companies are stupid

[Tuuvi]

I had the same thing happen to me when I went to apply for a college credit card with my bank. I'm actually glad I got declined though, because I've now decided that I don't want any credit cards, ever.

[Centurion1]

credit cards are a mistake. i look to my parents on this one. my mothe rhas a visa but treats her card like a debit card. she always pays off her payments in full each month so the credit card company makes no money off of her and on top of it she uses her reward points for plane tickets. last year i believe she wrangled three tickets in total and zero debt.

[Hooahguy]

Well for Israel I need a credit card because cash simply isnt a good option. My parents said that they would pay for the necessities I buy with it, but everything else I pay for. So what they are going to do is get a credit card and put me on as a user or something like that.

[A Nerd]

Credit cards are a good thing. How can you finance a car or something without credit? You need to start somewhere and a credit card is the easiest option. As long as you are responsible with it.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

CC can be a good thing if use wisely. They can make your life hell if used badly.

[Tuuvi]

Has anyone ever heard of Dave Ramsey? I'm only half-experienced with living in the real world, so his ideas might be stupid, but according to him, people should avoid all forms of debt such as credit cards and car loans, a home mortgage being the only exception. Then all the money that otherwise you would be spending on interest and debt payments you can use to save up for big purchases such as cars, and invest it for retirement and your kids' college.

To me it sounds a little absurd because credit cards and loans are so prevalent these days and it seems like you can't live without them, but I think with discipline and sacrifice you could pull it off.