To think this is not abnormal?!

[Linnylinn1]

In work today one of the girls asked me something about a credit card and transferring a balance. I said “oh don’t ask me I have never had a credit card, I don’t know anything about them!” She was totally shocked that I don’t have one (as were the rest of the office!” AIBU to think it’s not THAT shocking!!??

I wouldn't be shocked but I would think it unusual.

As far as I know, every adult I know has one.

I’d be surprised. It is unusual now

Everyone I know has one as it’s a good way of building your credit rating.

I think it’s relatively unusual but not “abnormal”, no. Credit cards aren’t just for buying stuff you can’t afford - it’s always sensible to put big purchases on a credit card because they offer a lot of consumer protections that debit cards and bank payments don’t.

I wouldn’t touch a credit card. So I’m with you, it’s not that unusual.

Strange as neither me or my Dh have one... We have never needed one Tbh. I just thought you only got one if needed.

Depends. How old are you? I don't think I know any adults over about 30 who have never had one.

I know some people who don't have one...mainly because they have no idea how to use them and think they are the devil's work.
They then get all huffy when I get my John Lewis vouchers

It is unusual. They’re useful for buying online, and you get more protection than using a debit card. I have one with a zero balance on it.

I'm 39 and I only got one a couple of months ago as I've never needed one either.

Well I don't have one! I have a visa debit card, but no credit card. The only time I wish that I have one is when travelling for work and then the hotel bills would not come straight out of my current account.

I have had a credit card for about 40 years but have always paid it off each month and never had to pay interest.

I've never had a credit card either, I've never needed one.
I've only got a debit card now with no overdraft.

I just thought you only got one if needed.

I’ve never ‘needed’ one, in that I’ve used it to buy something I couldn’t afford.
I use mine for big purchases for the added protection you get. I also put all purchases on and pay off in full at the end of the month... that way I build points and my credit rating.

I built up £1000 of Costco vouchers on mine last year! Always pay off in full at the end of each month and have never paid interest on it.

I'm mid twenties and don't know anyone who has a credit card in my circle of friends, people plan to get them to build up good credit before getting a mortgage, but that's a long way off for most.

I also use mine to protect big purchases

I’m 31 and dh is 32, I just do everything on my debit card and have never had issues.

Neither my partner and I have never had one. My parents haven't either. I don't think my sister has one.

Dh has never had one. He'll just borrow mine if he wants to buy something that needs the protection on. It is paid in full each month by direct debit from the joint account anyway.

I had one, but I think it has lapsed, as it’s so long since I used it. I got in quite a bit of debt on it when I was younger (I learned an expensive lesson!) so wouldn’t want one for general spending now. I do see the point about online protection though.
So maybe unusual but not abnormal I’d say.

I don't have one any more: I find it too easy to overspend on them. I haven't had one for about 20 years. I know a couple of people who don't have one.

But my credit rating is very good, even though I have never had one!

You might not need one, but you would benefit from having one. Look into s. 75 protection.

Also many credit cards offer incentives such as air miles and vouchers.

As long as you pay the card off each month (you can set the direct debit to do this), you get the benefit of additional financial protection should something go wrong, and various rewards, for doing nothing more than using the card.