a cc is good to have when you're young and you dont think you'll be using it that much... why? cuz just sittin on it builds you credit. i had a card when i was 16 or so... never used it much, got a monthly statement and all that jazz, and by the time i actually started using it i'd been with them long enough to phone up and say "hey dont charge me interest cuz my payment was 3 days late! i'm a good customer, give me a break" and they'll do that. i think i have actually given the cc company money once in my life (when i really DID forget.. like a whole month). anyhow dont knock it til you try it, they're very handy online and its like a driver's license - even if ya dont use it you'll have more options down the road if you simply get it. although - counterpoint, there are probably a lot of people that have credit card horror stories too know thyself - art thou an avid spender? well anyway thats what the babble juice told me.