I bet you've heard every reason not to get a credit card: debt is bad, credit cards are for people who don't know how to manage money, etc., but do you know why you should have a credit card?

Aside from being handy in the case of an emergency, there are some very good reasons for getting a credit card even if you're just turning 18.

The first and probably most important reason is to establish your credit history. Whenever you apply for a loan of any type, the institution you're borrowing from will look at your credit history. If you have no credit history, you most likely won't be considered for anything more than a few hundred dollars.

However, if you want to avoid that situation, you can establish yourself quickly just by filling out an application for a credit card. All you have to do to qualify is be 18 or older with a job. Sure, you'll only get a limit of about $500-1,000 but in about six months, you can ask for a line increase.

What that means is that if you are never late with a payment (and you never, EVER should be), after about six to twelve months, you can request that your credit limit get increased. Based on your income and your ability to repay the line of credit, the bank will decide how much to approve for you.

Once you start repeating this cycle, soon you'll find yourself with a considerable limit on your credit card. What this tells lenders is that you are trustworthy and overall diligent in repaying your debts. They will be much more likely to set you up with a loan for say, a car.. a house.. you name it. The point is that you'll have options and that is exactly why you should have a credit card.