Why I finally got a credit card after avoiding them for years
For most of my 20s, I swore off credit cards. I used my debit card for everything and thought I was being smart. Credit cards seemed risky: What if I missed a payment? What if I got stuck with sky-high interest? What if I picked the wrong card and regretted it forever?
It felt safer to stick to what I knew. With a debit card, I could clearly see the money leaving my account — no surprises and no scary bills at the end of the month. I eventually realized I was missing out.
If you've been avoiding credit cards for the same reasons, here's what changed my mind, how I chose my first card and what I've learned since then.
Related: The best first credit cards for beginners
Why I avoided credit cards
Like many people, I associated credit cards with debt. I had heard horror stories of high interest rates, defaulting on payments and snowballing balances. My biggest worries boiled down to three things: paying endless interest due to high annual percentage rates, feeling tied down to a card once I chose one and spending money I didn't actually have.
Related: Does APR matter if you pay your balance on time?
Though these fears weren't completely unfounded, they were also holding me back. By avoiding credit cards altogether, I missed out on building credit and using financial tools that could actually work in my favor.
What changed my mind about credit cards
Once I started digging deeper, I realized credit cards aren't traps if you use them responsibly. Instead, they can be powerful financial tools. Managed well, credit cards are actually one of the most valuable tools of your financial life.
For starters, fraud protection is far stronger than with a debit card. If your credit card is compromised, you can dispute the charge before money ever leaves your account. Then there's credit history: Without it, you'll struggle to get approved for a car loan, mortgage or even an apartment lease. Using a card responsibly is one of the easiest ways to start building that track record.
Related: How (and when) to dispute a credit card charge
And the benefits don't stop there. Credit cards offer rewards that debit cards simply can't match — from cash back and travel points to welcome bonuses that can cover a flight right out of the gate.
Many cards also include purchase protection, extended warranties, trip delay coverage and even rental car insurance. Using credit wisely can save you money.
The biggest mindset shift for me was realizing that interest doesn't matter if you never carry a balance. By setting up automatic payments and only spending what I already have in my checking account, I use my card like a debit card with extra perks.
Suddenly, the "trap" I was afraid of became a safety net — and a stepping stone toward better financial products down the road.
How I chose my first credit card
When I was ready for my first card, I wanted something versatile, beginner-friendly and rewarding. I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) because it has a reasonable $95 annual fee, strong travel protections, and points that can be redeemed for travel or cash back.
For anyone picking their first card, the key is matching it to your goals: a cash-back card with no annual fee for simplicity, a travel rewards card if you want points, or a secured card if you're just building credit. Choosing the right card sets you up to maximize the value you get while establishing healthy credit habits.
Related: Credit cards 101: The beginners guide
Should you get a credit card?
Deciding whether it's time for your first credit card depends on your habits and goals. A card can be an incredibly useful tool, but only if you're ready to handle it responsibly. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Can I pay my bills on time, every time?
- Do I trust myself not to overspend?
- What do I want to gain?
- Am I comfortable keeping track of due dates?
Related: Credit vs. debit cards: Which is the smarter choice?
Tips for your first card
If you're ready to apply for your first credit card, a few simple habits can set you up for success from day one.
- Treat it like a debit card: Only spend what you already have in your checking account, so you don't rack up a balance you can't pay off.
- Set up autopay: Schedule automatic payments for your full statement balance each month so you never miss a due date or pay interest.
- Start with a beginner-friendly rewards card: Look for one with a modest annual fee (or none at all) and a straightforward rewards structure that makes it easy to get value without feeling overwhelmed.
- Check your credit score first: Knowing where you stand can help you apply for a card you're more likely to qualify for, avoiding unnecessary hard pulls on your credit.
- Focus on building good habits: Paying on time, keeping your balance low and monitoring your statements all contribute to a healthy credit history.
Related: 5 mistakes to avoid when you get your first credit card
Bottom line
I spent years avoiding credit cards because I was afraid of what might go wrong. But once I learned how they actually work — and how much they can benefit me when used responsibly — I realized I'd been missing out.
Now, my card is one of the most valuable tools in my financial tool kit. And the best part? I still get the peace of mind I used to have with a debit card. Only now I'm also building credit, protecting my money and earning rewards along the way.
Related: How to apply for a credit card
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.