Credit cards often get a bad rap.
"There isnopositive side to credit card use," personal finance guru Dave Ramsey wrote on his website. He has a good point, as our consumer-driven society makes it incredibly easy to spiral into credit card debt.
However, advantages to credit cards include the purchase and fraud protection they offer, and the fact that using them allows you to build the credit required for major purchases in the future, like a home or car. There are some situations when it's smarter to choose credit over debit — as long as you pay your bills on time, that is.
Now that that's out of the way, use your credit card responsibly for these eight types of purchases:
Kathleen Elkins contributed to an earlier version of this article.
SEE ALSO: 12 sneaky ways online retailers get you to spend more
1. Online purchases
It's better to be overly cautious and use credit over debit — particularly if you're buying from a smaller and less established company.
2. Flights
It's smart to use a credit card with built-in travel protection when buying flights, as you never know when something might come up.
3. Items from small vendors
If you're at a flea market, food festival, or buying from a vendor on the street who accepts cards, err on the side of caution and use credit.
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