Is a credit card worth it?
Yes, if you pay it off in full every month. You get 45 to 55 days of interest-free credit, you start building bureau history, and many cards return 1–5% on selected purchases.
No, if you stay paying the minimum. CAT on revolving balances runs 55–70% — among the most expensive debt on the market. The line between the two scenarios is your discipline, not the plastic.
Honest tip: start with a no-fee, low-limit card (Nu and Hey are obvious choices), use it every month and clear the balance at the cut-off. Six months of clean behaviour and you can ask for the upgrade.
- ✓Common grace period: 45–55 days
- ✓Typical cashback: 1–5% on select categories
- ✓No annual fee: the sensible way to start
- ✓Paying the minimum = 55–70% CAT