My mom made me so I could establish credit. I didn't even want, in fact I was terrified of using it. Now I'm not! I've become increasingly less responsible with credit every year since.

it was 2 reasons- 1st so i could charge things at college and my parents could pay the bill- easier then them sending me money. 2nd was to establish some credit though!

It was a gas card. I had one in my mom's name at first, but then they decided to get one in my name so I could start establishing credit.

and I was probably 18 when I got the one in my name. I, to this day, only use it for gas - and lately have stopped even doing that.

got my first one in high school for "emergencies"

I hated paying in cash because of the loose change and scattering of singles. I starting using a credit card so I wouldn't worry about trying to get to a whole dollar figure when hitting McDonald's, the gas pump, etc. I simply found it more convenient. Then I found out about FICO scores, and rewards points. Who doesn't want to make back 1% on all transactions?

I got my first credit card during my first semester of college to establish credit. That was a long time ago and now I have excellent credit.

I got mine freshman year of college, in 1995. My reason was incredibly dumb. At my college a lot of organizations partnered with credit card companies as fund raisers - you applied for a card and the organization got a kickback for each application turned in. They told us "oh, just apply and then cancel the account." I did that the first time, but the second time I kept the card ... I was pretty responsible with it for a while but by junior year I had started to carry a balance, and then it was all downhill. SO many bad habits.

I probably would have gotten a card anyway, at some point, but this was not a smart way to start using credit. My mom was horrified when she learned I had the card - of course, that only made me more determined to use it.

I thought it would be fun to have a credit card...it didn't become a need until I had already had it a few years and was well into the throes of student debt. Also, I was supposed to get a free round-trip domestic airfare...Citibank conveniently canceled that offer when I tried to redeem, but I was too disorganized at the time to follow up, and look - I'm still a customer, almost 10 years later.

My parents got me my first credit card when I was about to start college. They said it was important that I start establishing good credit at an early age, and wanted me to put my books for class on it.

I got mine for emergencies and back up when I went away to school.
I started using it more regularly once I had a job to start building credit.

To start to build my credit.

establish credit, got my first card under my own name, me as the sole account holder when I was 22.

My mom put me as an additional on one of her cards when I was 16 (I had a job and was expected to pay for every purchase) but I didn't get my first solo card til I was 18.

UGHHH. I haven't gotten one yet! I need to start establishing my credit. But, my parents are giving me a hard time about it.

My dad set it up for me, in my name, but with the bills going to his house. I used it just to pay for gas, which he generously footed the bill for, just to establish credit and to have on hand for emergencies.

I got mine before college. My dad lived in Alaska, and I went to school in Washington, so he wouldn't have been able to bail me out of any financial situation (like a sudden car repair) like he would have been if I was closer to home.

To build credit and for emergencies...

They kept sending me offers until I finally gave in.

I got one for college - our college bookstore only took credit cards and didn't take checks. (the atm limit was 150 - which I never understood) I had to buy books and so I got a card.

the VERY first card that i ever got was a card that was an addition to my mom's account since i worked after school and she worked 4 jobs and was never around to take me shopping. i worked in a clothing store and i would always call her prior to making a purchase with my discount to see if it was ok...and that was the very first

then once i got to college, as is the case with most schools - the first week there are a lot of people peddling cards and things like that - so i got on the band wagon and got a card or 2 and that was the WORST decision that i've ever made in my life.

A combination of trying to establish credit and necessity. But mostly to establish credit.

To establish credit

To pay for books when I started college.

Because it came with free stuff! I got my first one in the food court at my college and there was free stuff much needed by a college student tha came with signing up i.e. food, shirts. Worst mistake of my life!

My parents got me a credit card in middle school so that I could learn to use it responsibly, under their supervision. I have excellent credit, btw. Thanks to them.

My parents told me it would be a good idea to start building my credit. I had a student CC and the limit was $500.

Professional photographs.
*For shame.*
Second credit card reason is less embrassing; my MacBook.

xx

I got my first credit card to build credit after graduating. That and I knew that I was going to have to spend money on things regardless (food, clothing, etc.) so I might as well make a little money back on it (in rewards). I made sure I paid off the balance in full each month, and it's been working out pretty well so far.

I'm 23 and don't have one. I have a debit card and got it when I was 17

haha my first bad financial decision. I got it so I could get a persian kitty I had fallen in love with. and buy things on ebay.

I dont have one anymore LOL

My parents gave me one for emergency use when I was still in high school. But I applied for one a couple of years back because I need it for traveling. It's just easier to make travel arrangements (booking hotels, plane, train) with a credit card, especially if you're traveling to another country.

You know, I don't have a credit card. I probably will soon. But only after I get my first paycheck from this new job. Credit cards are scary and I know that if I don't have sufficient income, I would drown in debt. So! Soon, I will have one. Just because things come up at the worst times. It's just about preparation. And building credit of course. That, too.

I got my first credit card right when i started college and I was so ecstatic that someone was giving me credit, i went a little crazy haha... Now i don't have even one credit card because they are dangerous mix with a shopaholic

To establish credit.

At 16, my mother added me as an additional to her card. She added me as an additional to another card before I left for college at 18. My parents gave me a limit every month. Then, the mistake happend at college while entering the rec center. A company was not only giving away credit cards for free, but also giving away a free CD case. I had to do it. This was also a way I could spend beyond my limits without my parents knowing. Trips to Mexico? Yes. A Fendi bag? You betcha. Ordering whatever I wanted from catalogs, just because I loved receiving packages at the dorm? Of course. $8000 later, I realized I had to pay it back. I did it in the 8 months before I married my husband (I was ashamed to tell him about my credit card debt and didn't want him to marry it--surprise!). I don't even want to think about the interest I paid; and luckily, my credit was in good standing (my cash allowance pretty much went all to payments every month). Oh, my daughter will know the dangers of credit cards and how to use them responsibly. Ironically, I work for an online credit card directory. And yes, I am an expert. A piece of advice: choose your credit card carefully, know the Terms and Conditions, and choose the card that fits with your lifestyle.