4 Reasons You Need a Credit Card
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Chris Cluff
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Whether you are 18 and just beginning to hear about credit cards or 45 and have never thought about the benefits of cards, it’s important to start establishing credit.
Credit cards come with many benefits. They allow cardholders to take control of their finances and learn valuable money-handling skills. They also offer fraud protection and monetary benefits to users and allow them to repair or build up their credit scores for future purchases.
According to a recent survey conducted by GOBankingRates, 16% of Americans do not own credit cards. So, one in six Americans do not have to worry about credit card fees but also are missing out on the many benefits of opening cards.
Here is more on that study and reasons it’s important to open a credit card as early as you can.
16% of Americans Do Not Own Credit Cards
Of those who do not have credit cards, the majority are ages 45 to 54 — 22% of respondents fall into this category. Additionally, 19% of Americans ages 25 to 34 are also more likely to not be responsible for any credit card bills. Furthermore, women (18%) are more likely than men (11%) to not own credit cards.
Additionally, of the Americans who do have credit cards, many have more than one. While the largest proportion of Americans have one credit card, with 28% of respondents falling into this category, the survey revealed that 25% of Americans have two credit cards, 15% have three, 8% have four and 9% have more than four.
Now that we’ve gained more insight into the number of Americans who have credit cards versus those who do not, let’s take a look at some of the reasons to consider opening a card.
Education: A Credit Card Can Help Teach Debt Management
Opening a credit card does not only allow for rewards and perks, it also enables the user to learn valuable life skills and teaches the person how to stay on top of finances.
“If you avoid credit entirely, then you may make more significant mistakes when you are forced to start later due to a cash flow crunch,” said Nicole Strbich, CFP and director of financial planning at Buckingham Advisors. “To avoid this, start with small credit limits and only charge certain expenses, like gas or recurring monthly bills.”
Positive Credit History: It’s Important To Build Credit History
Consider opening a credit card in order to build credit for future investments. The minimum age to open a credit card differs; but, in general, most cardholders must be 18 or 21 in order to open an account. While younger Americans might not be thinking about buying a home or a new car, it’s important to get a head start on your financial journey in order to be prepared for these expenses later.
“Without a credit card or other loans, it can be impossible to build a credit history to be eligible to buy a house or a car,” Strbich said. “Unfortunately, this history needs to be started multiple years in advance of the time that you may want to try to qualify for a loan; and, if you don’t get ahead of this, you may not have many options.”
According to our survey, the majority of Americans are opening credit cards in order to build credit — 22% of the survey respondents are using them primarily for this reason.
Perks: Credit Cards Provide Rewards to Users
Don’t forget that opening a credit card isn’t just opening a new bank account — it allows you to accumulate perks and benefits you won’t be able to take advantage of by using a debit card.
“Select a credit card that provides rewards that make sense for your expenses and lifestyle,” Strbich said. “Using a credit card for purchases and paying it off each month can generate rewards that can be used against your balance or sent to your bank account.”
According to the GOBankingRates survey, 15% of credit card users use their credit cards primarily for the rewards and perks.
Credit Cards Offer Protection Against Fraud
Protect yourself from credit card fraud and ensure you will be able to receive your money back by opening one of these cards.
“If someone steals your card information and makes fraudulent transactions, then you can report it to your credit card company and they will credit your statement for the transaction,” Strbich said. “And, in many cases, the credit card may alert you to suspicious activity prior to approving the transaction.
“With a debit card, you have less protection against fraud and less time to report the activity to limit your potential liability. I suggest clients avoid debit cards for this reason.”
Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed 1,003 Americans ages 18 and older from across the country between Sept.19 and Sept. 20, 2022, asking 12 questions: (1) Which of the following is the most important to you when it comes to picking a new credit card?; (2) How do you handle your credit card bill each month?; (3) Do you know your credit score?; (4) At what age did you get your first credit card?; (5) What is your primary purpose for using your credit card(s)?; (6) Do any of the following statements apply to you? (Select all that apply); (7) Which credit card fees do/would you hate the most?; (8) How many credit cards do you own?; (9) What is your total current credit card debt?; (10) How long do you think it will take you to pay off your credit card debt?; (11) Have you ever hit the credit limit on your credit card?; and (12) Have you ever charged any of the following to your credit card? Select all that apply. GOBankingRates used PureSpectrum’s survey platform to conduct the poll.
More From GOBankingRates
- 6 Expensive Costco Items That Are Definitely Worth the Cost
- 5 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024
- 5 Reasons You Should Consider an Annuity For Your Retirement Savings
- 10 New Cars to Avoid Buying in 2024
