Should Christians Have Credit Cards?

#1 Reason to have a credit card, would be to protect yourself as a consumer for certain services. For example, I was selling my house had the house painted by professionals. The paint job was inferior. I was able to dispute the charge on my credit card.
If I had paid the vendor with cash or check, I doubt I would have ever gotten a fair resolution without taking them to small claims court.
Also if you buy things on the internet- use the credit card. You have more protection if a problem occurs.
#2 When reserving a rental car, they don't just charge you for the cost of the rental for your reservation. They will place a credit card authorization up to a few hundred dollars. So that weekend rental where you expect to pay about $70, is being held on your credit card with a $300 pending charge. If you do that on a debit card, that is $300 less that you have to spend until you complete your rental car transaction and they post the accurate amount.

I am a CPA and people have asked my opinion on the use of credit cards. I have also been asked by my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. My response may be in the minority, but, I say no. I don't believe that there is a situation that necessitates the establishment of credit card debt. I do believe we should have a mortgage and possibly auto debt. However, credit cards or revolving credit is so dangerous to the consumer and don't see any value. Many individuals fall prey to the lure of credit cards. Although your tips are appropriate and accurate, no one that I have counseled or known was able to manage credit. Credit is for the purpose of buying something now that you and pay later! This is the primary trap that leads to disaster. As a CPA and a former credit card holder, no credit card (except American Express) is good. I don't believe that there is any circumstance that would make having revolving debt acceptable. I am free from credit cards forever! Amen