AIBU to have never had a credit card?

[Statsquestion1]

Has anyone else never had a credit card? I have literally never had one. Surely I’m not the only one?

Edited to add- I’m in Ireland so the “extra protection” they provide in the uk under section 75, does not apply here

🏅here’s the medal that you’re so desperate for.

no you won’t be the only one. But in today’s society of instant gratification plus long interest free periods and deals, it’s ok to have one.

ive had one since my mid 20s but I always pay it off. I have a John Lewis one and get vouchers when I spend certain amounts. Some are good for other rewards too like air miles.

I’m not looking for a medal but thanks.

Having a credit card and paying off in full each month is a good way to improve credit rating which is important for a mortgage application.

Yeaes Ago I took out a no-interest one for a while to pay off a car purchase - that was useful to spread payments.

Never had an issue getting a mortgage.

And what, you got lost on the way to Chat?

Yeah I find chat has less traffic…

I use mine for booking flights, hotels and trains as we always book independently and the section 75 protections are useful.

I think it is always good to have one for emegencies as well, especially when travelling.

I got one 25+ years ago for the hire car thing, but then they started accepting debit cards so I thankfully let it lapse. Have never felt the need for one since.

Having a credit card gives me peace of mind. I use it for consumer protection for purchases over £100. Also, nice to know that if there was an emergency, the credit card is available.

Always pay off in full each month. This way the advantages of using a credit card far outweigh the disadvantages.

The warning would be that, if you are the type of person who is disorganised with money or regularly overspends, then do not get a credit card. Far too easy to get into debt. The interest rates on the debt are frighteningly high.

Same. But DS2 chooses not to have one. He has a modest income and simple lifestyle from choice and manages without credit.

This is a much better system. Its capitalism at its worst, encouraging debt (and destroying you if you fail to pay).

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make but lots of people on MN seem to be proudly anti credit cards so you're in good company here.

It sounds like the benefits of having them aren't anywhere near as great in Ireland, but in the UK if you don't have a credit card you're missing out on many benefits and life will likely be more expensive. You often see people complaining about issues that either wouldn't have arisen or are much easier to deal with if they had a credit card.

I make several hundred pounds a year by borrowing money for free and putting it in a savings account.

Another couple of hundred in cashback/points that I use to get M&S vouchers.

A few times I've claimed under section 75, eg when Monarch Airlines went bust 2 days before we were due to fly with them

Car hire is cheaper/easier, also hotels often want to take a deposit, so just put it on there instead of them blocking you from spending money.

Easier if you're scammed online, ie they can't empty your bank account and mess up your DDs.

Free cashflow management vs overdrafts which cost 40% apr. Also easier to manage your bank account because all your day to day spending comes out in one payment instead of dozens of dribs and drabs.

Good for online shopping as you can order several sizes etc and are refunded before the bill is due.

I’ve never had one.

I’m in a country that doesn’t have a credit rating system, I find it a bit weird.

That’s interesting, why is the credit card perk market so limited in Ireland? We have multiple credit cards (paid in full) because of them I won’t have flown economy long haul in about 4 years, business class or premium economy all the way! Also airport lounge passes.

I also accrue interest on the balance while it’s sat in my Chase account before it gets paid off.

I would never buy online with a debit card - only a credit card. The headaches when it goes wrong are smaller with a credit card (looking at you O2, who tried to take £10,000).

Hiring a car in much simpler.

And, yes, we get cashback.
What is wrong with 1% cashback on everything you spend? Add up what you spend on food, petrol, clothes, house stuff, gifts etc etc over a year. It will be thousands. 1% of that is a nice treat occasionally for doing absolutely nothing.

Well YABU about that

I've never had one. I've also never thought to ask if I was unreasonable not to have one...

Ok thanks for your contribution 👍

I have one. But I don’t think I’ve ever used it.

Ive never had them and never plan to

I don’t understand people who don’t use one. The protection is great and it’s good for your credit rating. Every single purchase I make is out in the credit card. Even under £1. I pay it off every month

Yes - they're essential if you travel a lot.