<prompt> Human: Hey reddit. Im currently 17 and I have been heavily thinking about my future lately. I recently had a very quick talk with my mom that went something like, Hey mom should I apply for a credit card when I turn 18?, and her promptly replying WHAT, no why would you need a credit card, absolutely not, thats bad news. Ive had a Debit card since I got my first job at 15 and I feel I have been completely responsible with it. I have been doing research on reasons to get a credit card, and from what i can concur, it only has positive benefits, as long as you are responsible with it.So my question is, why not? I know I will be responsible with it, and from what Ive learned, its a very helpful tool to build up good credit for my future. I am planning on definitely attending a 4-year university and I will have to get SOME student loans, so do you think this is why she is against me getting one? If I wait until after college to apply for one, is that going to be enough time for me to build a good credit line?Thanks for your help!  <response>: If you realize that credit cards are not free money and absolutely need to be paid off every month then youll probably be ok. Where people get in trouble is when they dont have the funds in their accounts to back up their spending. Crap, I dont have enough in the bank to pay for this new guitar... OH I KNOW, Ill just put it on my Visa. Thats bad news and the way a lot of people view credit cards. Also realize that if you do go against your moms wishes while still relying on her financial support be it school, food, living at home and she finds out, it could strain your relationship somewhat. 