The economy is in such bad shape at the present that it almost necessary to have a credit card. Credit cards are a good thing to have for emergencies if they are used wisely. For example, if you are traveling out of state and your vehicle breaks down. If it a costly repair most people would not have enough cash on hand to pay for the repairs that needed to be down and most places do not take out of state checks, thus you would be forced to use your best credit card to get your vehicle fixed.
Most people in the United States are on a tight budget at the present but there are certain things that we have to have, i.e. tires for vehicles and appliances for your home. For people on a tight budget any appliance purchase or major car repair is too much for their budget, thus comes the credit card. Of course you have to redo your budget to allow for the credit card payment but if you have to have your car repaired in order to go to work and do not have the money there is nothing else that you can do other than borrow the money from someone or a bank.
The bank would take more than one day to get the money and with a credit card you could go ahead and have the car fixed or buy the new washing machine or hot water heater that you need. Credit cards are of good use if they are used wisely.