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 have one, it's paid in full every month but we accrue a nice amount of M&S vouchers and larger purchases and holidays are paid from it to get the added protections. Family members of mine had to cancel a break due to a sibling being unexpectedly diagnosed as terminally ill with only weeks to live, their travel insurance wouldn't cover them as the ill person wasn't part of the party travelling. Barclaycard refunded them straight away, understanding you want to be with your sister at times like that, not on holiday.

I’m 45 and I’ve never had a credit card. I don’t spend money I don’t have
@Greenglassteacup
I'm 63 and have had a credit card all my adult life. I have never once been in debt or spent money that I don't have sitting in my current account. A direct debit pays off my credit card at the end of each month and I've never paid a penny in interest in 40 years.

You don't seem to understand how credit cards are used by most people these days.

Certainly not shocked. Surprised, certainly.
Anyway It's your business, no one else's.

Thinking about it, my mother and my in laws didn't have a credit card. Different generation though.

No I have no understanding of credit cards because I’ve never had one or felt a need to obtain one

So if your intention is to insult me, sorry about that

I wasn't intending to insult you at all, @Greenglasssteacup. I was just indicating that there might be something that it would be to your benefit to learn.
It would be a shame if you bought something from a company that went bust and had to see others getting a refund, while you lost your money.

Why are some people so deliberately obtuse?

I’m 33 and I’ve never had one. My credit rating is absolutely fine. I’ve never seen the point tbh. I’m not especially well off but I don’t really spend that much.

I only have one because I like free stuff. I pay it off in full each month and use the points for family meals out.

I've never had one and my credit rating is good 🤷‍♀️

You seem quite smug about it. I've never had one but DP dutifully uses and pays off his. His credit score was incredible at 21 because of it.

We've been known to use 5 or 6 supermarket chains in a month, and I wouldnt want a card for each of them

Well guess what, you only need one because just about all shops take all credit cards, except for American Express is sometimes not accepted.

Had an Access card (remember them?) back in 1974 as I really really really wanted a pair of brown leather heels. I spent 20 years getting out from under credit card debt as I had no will power. I haven't had a credit card for over 20 years now and am much better at money management. I have traveled to some very off the beaten track places and never needed one.

I'm approaching 50 and have never used a credit card, because I don't like spending money I don't have. I use my debit card for everything.

I have to agree with some comments. Your protected using a credit card. We buy all things on ours. For example. The Thomas cook thing. Most people who booked using a credit card (we did) have been paid back etc. We pay ours off immediately so they hate us! But it works for us.

I'm 32 and have never had one. I've never really thought about whether that's normal or not.

Neither me (52) nor my DH (60) have ever had a credit card. As far as I know my DPs or DSis never had one either. I don't suppose I need a good credit rating if I never intend to get anything on credit. If I want something I will save or do without. I obviously had a mortgage and DH had a car loan, but apart from those we have never owed anybody money or got into debt.

I'm approaching 50 and have never used a credit card, because I don't like spending money I don't have. I use my debit card for everything.

Aaaaaaaaaaaarghhhhhh!!!!

I can't do this any more!

I’m 28 and my credit rating is as good as they get. I’ve never had a credit card.

It's unusual especially to have never had one. I've not had one in years - DH has one though - i had one at uni and when i first graduated but get rid once i paid it off.

I would pay a holiday on one though- but I’d only get it for that protection.

Aaaaaaaaaaaarghhhhhh!!!!

l can't do this any more!

Do you have a handy wall to bang your head against?

People who say they've never needed one - have you really never bought anything and had it not be satisfactory and had difficulty getting a refund, eg because the seller is a scammer or gone bust?
A credit card company is jointly liable and they are usually a heck of a lot easier to get refunds out of. I've used that half a dozen times.

The 1% cashback is nice too. And, twice in 25 years, having a credit card has resolved a cash flow emergency at very small cost (new job, didn't get paid for 2 months, and dealing with moving house costs, repaid in full the next month).

Ive never had one, wouldnt trust myself with it

Why are some people so deliberately obtuse?

but they are so clever in their finance management that they do not need to spend more than they have don't you know!