Even if you tend not to spend too much money, you will still need a credit card to make routine payments and attempting to get around without one is like turning up at a meeting with a new client having left your briefcase containing the client proposal back at the office.
As far as travel is concerned you will need to give a credit card number to reservations when booking a hotel or a flight and if booking on line or by telephone you will have to pay for the services with a credit card.
Renting a car without the use of a credit card when you get where you are going is practically impossible.
In fact, without a credit card you may just as well keep some cash on you, probably quite a large amount, to pay for taxis.
Even if you have spare cash, a credit card is much safer to use.
For example, if during your travels your wallet is stolen you can say goodbye to your cash.
Although having your wallet stolen will no doubt inconvenience you, you will still be protected as far as your credit card is concerned.
All it takes is a simple phone call to your credit card company and a freeze will be put on your account.
Any attempts by the thief to charge expenses to your credit card will be stopped and if the thief has managed to spend on your card before you had the chance to make the call, you will not be responsible for this debt.
This is the reason why so many frequent travelers rely on credit cards rather than paying by cash.
As far as shopping on line is concerned, a credit card is an ideal way of paying for your goods.
Make sure the website you are using has the secure shopping symbol and you can then feel confident about entering your credit card details to make a payment.
It is also possible to link your bank account to your credit card as an easy way of transferring funds should you find yourself short of time or do not want to stand in queues at the bank.
You can even use your card to pay at the pump of the gas station during the morning or evening rush hours.
It will not take long for you to discover just how convenient this is on occasions when it's raining or you are in a hurry.
If you tend to use the same gas station on a regular basis you may be able to get a gas credit card from them.
This may offer you extra savings or extra gas by way of rewards when you buy using your credit card.
A the same time as enjoying the advantages of buying on line, renting cars, and paying for holidays you are also building up a credit history.
Of course, settling your outstanding balance by paying promptly and using your card in a responsible manner are also important factors which go towards your credit rating.
Your credit rating is important for the future when you may wish to make a larger than normal purchase say, for example, a house or a car.