Gasp. You Don't Have A Credit Card?

I celebrated my cousin's birthday in a restaurant the other night. There were ten of us, all women, discussing credit cards and debt. Eventually I mentioned that I don't have a credit card. Haven't had one in years. Everyone at the table went silent. The two women across from me actually dropped their jaws.

Well that was weird. I'm shocked that they were shocked. When it comes to personal debt, I think the world has gone mad. I've seen people take out cards and spread them like a deck of playing cards. Who can track that many? And you need to track them closely. Too many banks that issue cards are sneaky.

This is not to be confused with debit cards. I have a debit card that I use daily. And I am not talking when you use a debit card as "credit". It is still the same as writing a check, regardless of whether you punch the debit or credit button when using a debit card.

I had a credit card a few years ago, but it got cancelled from lack of use. I didn't know they could do that. I guess I liked having a credit card since everyone did, even if it didn't get used.

Then last year I started to apply for a new card, since I read you had to have one in order to rent a car or reserve a hotel. And also to help your credit score. But then I read the fine print on the application and gave up. Not only was it too confusing, they were clearly out to "get me" if I slipped up in any way.

And guess what? I have never had a need for a credit card. For several years now I rented cars and stayed at hotels with no problems, using only my debit card. My FICO score is good. I check my bank statements online frequently to make sure no one is using the card fraudulently.

After reading all the pros and cons of debit cards versus credit cards, I still don't see the need to sign up with the big bad wolf of a credit card company.

Maybe I am missing something here. Clue me in if you know of a good reason for a credit card, one that is worth tolerating the frustrations of the credit card company schemes. If you are thinking "well, it's necessary as a backup for cash shortfalls", you need to check back soon as I will be writing about the benefits of delaying gratification.

Full-disclosure note: Yes, I have screwed up in the past and gotten in over my head with credit card debt. Not a huge amount, mind you. But enough to still remember the pain of Eeyore's black cloud following me until I was agonizingly and slowly able to pay it off.