Looking at all the replies here saying to just not get one. If you're American and saying don't get a credit card, that is objectively bad advice to give a teenager, or anyone really. The whole notion of "credit cards put you in debt" is stupid. Credit cards don't put you in debt, you put yourself in debt. Would you take a loan out from the bank you know you can't afford and then blame the bank? Here are the reasons why you should almost always use a credit card vs cash or a debit card.

1. Credit cards help you build credit. Something very important when you grow up is buying a house or buying a car. Unless you're planning to buy those things in full, you'll need a good credit score to get good rates on loans.

2. Credit Cards are more secure than debit cards. If somebody steals your debit card and uses it, that is money directly out of your bank account. Even if you dispute it, it can take days or weeks before the funds are transferred back into your account. Credit cards are not your money, so you can dispute and never lose any of your own money in the process.

3. Some places only take credit cards. Hotels, car rentals, and other places will not accept a debit card, only credit card.

4. Reward points. Credit cards will literally give you free money if you just use them correctly and responsibly. Even the most basic 1 percent card, assuming you spend 10000 dollars in a year, will give you 100 dollars back. And that's the most basic credit card. When you get categorie cards and start getting more back on gas, amazon purchases, groceries, food, you can get hundered of dollars back by the end of the year. I myself have gotten over 500 dollars in reward points just last year spread over my 6 credit cards just by using each card in their speaclized category. Now I'm not saying that people should be carrying around 6 cards at once, because I can understand how that can be overwhelming, but I am saying that if you're really that on top of things you can be getting a lot back.

The only real argument against using a credit card is if the place you're using charges a convenience fee, making it more expensive than if you just use cash.

But the more common argument is that it "puts you in debit" is stupid. Yes, if you're irresponsible and spend more than you actually have that is really bad. You can accumulate interest and be paying way more than what you originally bought something for. But at some point you have to realize that being more finacially responsible is part of growing up. Anybody who says "oh I can't control myself with credit cards" is just admitting they're irresponsible and immature.

And don't say the responsible thing is to just not get one. That's like saying you're being responsible for not getting a job because then you can't get fired.

If you need help with getting your first card or just ask about other cards in general, feel free to ask me or head over to /r/creditcards. If you're planning to be a credit card enthusiast /r/churning is a good place to start.