For people who can't handle using credit, then credit cards are not the right tool, cash is. Before credit cards became the way to go, clueless people still managed to spend more than they had. Credit cards are not in themselves "evil", the companies spell out the terms - pay by this date or get a fee - but are very good at dinging people who don't pay attention to the rules, or think it doesn't apply to them. I have never paid any fee or charge on any credit card ever. And have had one since 1985. I play their game, follow their rules and every month get a 30 day loan without interest or/or fees. I used to be considered a "deadbeat" by the banks, as they didn't make as much $$ off me, but now I am a golden egg - still pay my balance in full, but they aren't losing money on me now. Have not had one credit line cut, one card canceled, interest rate increased - well that may have happened, but quite frankly it could be 1000% and it would not concern me.