Why do some people not have a credit card?
If you don't have a substantial source of income — or none at all — you may struggle to be approved for a credit card. Having poor payment history is an indicator that you may not be able to repay the credit lenders extend. Lenders may not look favorably upon applicants who are carrying debt.
It's completely acceptable to avoid getting a credit card. Consumers can pay entirely with cash, check or debit card and still build a positive credit history through other types of loans.
Key Takeaways. Credit cards make it all too easy to overspend. Buying on credit can also make your purchases more expensive, considering the interest you may pay on them. Getting into too much debt can not only hurt your credit score but also strain relationships with family and friends.
On the one hand, it's good that so many adults are using credit cards. However, almost 30% still don't have one.
It just means that none of your bills or expenses have been reported to the three major credit bureaus. You might have no credit history if you have never had a credit card or if you're someone who prefers to pay for everything from homes to cars with cash.
It may be possible to live without credit if you aren't already borrowing through student loans, a mortgage or other debt. Even so, living credit-free can be very difficult. Tasks such as finding an apartment or financing a car can become challenging obstacles without credit.
Money expert Dave Ramsey tweeted this sentiment along with a video sharing how excessive credit card use keeps you from building wealth. Ramsey said the millionaires he's spoken to over the years didn't break through financially because of their credit card points.
This is not to say that wealthy Americans don't use credit cards. But while less well-to-do individuals might have a detrimental relationship with credit cards, wealthy people use them to their advantage. Instead of getting into debt, wealthy people use credit cards to improve their finances.
Your Account May Get Closed
This is usually fine when there's no balance to pay off, but after a long period of inactivity a card issuer may close a credit card account. The exact length of time varies among issuers. Contact your card issuer to find out when they will deactivate your account if it isn't being used.
They may have difficulty qualifying for credit cards due to a lack of credit history or a lower credit score, and may also find it harder to keep up with payments and maintain a good credit score.
How many Americans have no credit?
More than 45 Million Americans are Either Credit Unserved or Underserved; Approximately 20% Migrate to Being Credit Active Every Two Years.
According to the Federal Reserve, 82% of U.S. adults had a credit card in 2022. About 73% of Americans have a credit card by age 25, making credit cards the most common first credit experience for young adults.
The survey found that 47% of Americans have not been debt-free since 2018 to 2022, 14% have not been debt-free since 2013 to 2017, 11% have not been debt-free since 2008 to 2012 and 15% haven't been debt-free since before 2008.
Credit invisibility can make things like getting approved for a credit card or a loan more difficult or costly. It's possible to get a credit card with no credit. You might consider applying for a secured credit card, student credit card or retail store credit card to help establish and build your credit.
Credit scoring models generate credit scores based on the information pulled from your credit report. If you do not use credit accounts, you will not have a credit report, and thus, you will have no credit score.
"Paying rent can build credit if your payments are reported," says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for the credit bureau Experian. "Unfortunately, that's not the norm, as most landlord and rent management companies don't report rent payments."
A good goal is to be debt-free by retirement age, either 65 or earlier if you want. If you have other goals, such as taking a sabbatical or starting a business, you should make sure that your debt isn't going to hold you back.
The Bottom Line. Getting out of debt and staying out of debt is a laudable goal, and it's not bad for your credit score as long as there is some activity on your credit accounts. You can accomplish this without debt if you use credit cards and pay the balances in full every month.
But your credit score won't start at zero, because there's no such thing as a zero credit score. The lowest score you can have is a 300, but if you make responsible financial decisions from the beginning, your starting credit score is more likely to be between 500 and 700.
Because they pave the way for high-interest debt accumulation, investing mogul and billionaire Warren Buffett is generally against credit cards and advocates for spending in cash as much as possible. It's a great idea, isn't it? Just bid adieu to credit cards and start fresh with a more cash-centric approach.
What does Warren Buffett think about credit cards?
Warren Buffett has advised consumers to avoid credit card debt many times. With the exception of mortgages, Buffett is generally opposed to any kind of debt that requires the borrower to pay interest. Credit cards are a good deal for the banks that issue them, rather than for (most) consumers.
For the ultra-wealthy, however, credit cards are used for accumulating perks, rewards, and flaunting status. Many of these cards are available by invitation only, and stringent wealth requirements must be met to qualify for them.
The American Express Business Centurion Card, better known as the "black card," has no pre-set spending limit and is typically offered only to high-net-worth individuals.
One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*.
The vast majority (70%) of millionaires have two or more credit cards, but a full 9% have no credit cards at all. In comparison, 24% of people with a net worth below $1 million are completely cardless.
