I think it is a good idea when you can’t afford to buy the things you need. For example, if you don’t make enough to have enough food until you get paid again, it might be a good idea to get a credit card. If you get paid bi-weekly and that money doesn’t last until your next paycheck, it might be a good idea to get a credit card. Of course if you get a credit card, it’s a good idea to only buy what you have to and pay down what you spend every month. In other words, only use it if you have to. A credit card should mostly be used for emergencies. For example, if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you don’t have any cash on you, a credit card would come in handy. You don’t want to be stuck walking back home or hitchhiking because you didn’t have money to get back home with. If you don’t think you need a credit card, don’t get one. All it is going to do in get you into debt when you really didn’t need to. If you can pay cash for everything or just use your debit card, then do it!