<prompt> Human: Im 30, I got about 20k in my savings account and 60k in debt on my apartment. And, Ive never owned a credit card. Yet everyone on this subreddit is always talking about how to build credit and which cards they have? I dont get it. Isnt it better to avoid living on credit and having debit cards instead? Except for a few cases where you go on vacations or purchase stuff online? Is it an American thing?  <response>: A few reasons:- Its better to avoid living on credit when you dont pay off your cards and let that debt pile up. If you pay off your credit cards in full every month, then youre not really living off credit, youre just using the cards so you dont have to carry a wad of cash or check book everywhere. - The perks! If you pay off your cards every month, youre actually missing out on 1 37; cash back or other rewards airline miles, hotel points, etc based on whichever card you use. Many cards will also offer sign-up bonuses if you spend X amount over the first of months.- If my credit card is lost or stolen, I can dispute the charges and most of the time be refunded. If my debit card is stolen or skimmed, then my bank account goes to 0 real quick, and I have no recourse or way to get that money back. 