<prompt> Human: Either Im missing something, or credit cards are absolutely ridiculous, and the fact that getting one might actually be a sound financial strategy is insane.As far as I can tell, there are two reasons to have a credit card:1. Improving your credit score. This is basically taking advantage of an algorithms shortcomings, so I can sort of accept it, but the idea of taking on debts you dont need just so that you can prove you dont need them is just... dumb. Apparently people take out cards they never intend to use just so that they can show off the fact that they dont need to use them? Mint tells me that I should have twenty two credit cards and loans in order to maintain excellent credit? Thats absurd.2. Rewards programs. Every financial advice site Ive read has described these as free money for anyone who is disciplined enough to not end up ass-deep in debt - and as far as I can tell, these programs exist purely to tempt you into getting a card that will enable you to end up ass-deep in debt. Go ahead and enter into a deal with the devil - its really easy to outsmart him is sound financial advice these days? The sad thing is, that actually seems entirely plausible.What am I missing here?  <response>: for anyone who is disciplined enough to not end up ass-deep in debtOf people who have credit card debt, the average is 14,000.People without discipline--possibly including your future self--are subsidizing rewards for those of us with that discipline. 