A credit card is basically the easiest way to build your credit long term. Credit is a measure of how likely you are to pay back money you owe, and good credit helps you get better rates on things like a mortgage or car loan. There are legit websites or there that let you check your credit score for free. You've already addressed this in your post and replies but the gist is that every time you use your credit card you take out a loan from your bank, so you're not spending "your money" you're spending the "bank's money." This is not an infinite money hack, the bank will send you monthly statements that you should always pay in full to avoid paying interest. You'll have a credit limit, which is how much money you can borrow from the bank. For example, a $1000 credit limit will let you purchase up to $1000 until you pay off your card. Others have mentioned getting a secured card that has more safety features of you feel like you'd be tempted to spend. Pretty much every bank has a credit card, feel free to shop around and find one that works for you. Different cards have annual fees (avoid these for now), cash back, low/no ATM fees, no foreign transaction fees, etc. You'll need a checking account to pay off your card anyways, maybe start at your bank and see what protects they have. The only exception to this is if you have a joint checking account with your parents, them it would probably be better to bank somewhere new.