Originally Posted by cottonbowlbound
I didnt know there is so much concern. I am only 21 and have been using my visa check-card every time I travel. I actually use it for everything. Being as I am only 21, credit cards scare the living heck out of me. There are horror stories all over campus about kids signing up for credit cards and getting stuck in a hole for the next 15 years.
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If you are the type that does not have alot of self control with money then you may have reason to be scared; however, getting a credit card and using it has MANY advantages such as:
- Building a credit history which will be needed when you want to buy a car, rent an apartment, buy a house, ...
- Letting a bank float you money for your purchase for a month or so before you payoff it off. A check / check card takes money out of your account very shortly after purchase. Interest earned is low now, but every little bit helps.
- Earn FF miles, free gas, free auto maintainence, ... or many other rewards.
- Alot of the FF cards come with additional travel insurance for free. Auto rental insurance is VERY expensive in Australia and my US car insurance policy did not provide coverage out of the US; however, the Mileage Plus Visa provided primary coverage as a benefit.