Mankind's introduction to credit cards dates back to 1951, when Diners Club issued credit cards to 200 customers for use at 27 restaurants in New York.

Although these cards did not have the typical magnetic strips present in all credit cards issued nowadays, they were used for the very same purpose, i.e. getting credit for a specified period.

It is quite clear from the above stated facts that credit cards were originally issued to benefit the consumer, but you will not be surprised to learn that a lot has changed since then and that 'benefiting the customer' is no longer the aim of credit card companies today.

You may not feel you need an introduction to credit cards, but listen up, consider how "doing it your way" has equated to the amount of debt you have.

Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that credit cards are no longer issued to benefit the customer. While card issuers say their product provides "security and convenience", the truth is that credit cards are issued to encourage consumers to buy more and pay more in interest charges and fees.

The grand motive of credit card companies is to simply earn huge profits on the backs of the American people. Already, you can see that our introduction to credit cards isn't going to turn out nicely in the end.

Credit card companies know very well that using credit cards leads to a sort of addiction and that sooner or later, you will miss out on your monthly installments and then you will have no other option but to accept the high interests rates being charged on your credit card bills.

Let's be clear here, it's not that the credit card companies are doing something illegal. They're not. Like all other businesses who aim to increase their earnings, it's not they're responsibility to make your financial decisions on your behalf. The choice is your, and your alone, to make.

As a consumer, you must have the ability to realize what is good and what is bad for you. Everyone gets their first introduction to credit cards as a teenager or young adult. If you think rationally, you will realize that there is no real need for credit cards to play a role in your life experience.

The thought that credit cards provide more choices and financial "freedom" is just the marketing creation of the credit card industry, which uses these gimmicks to sell their cards to consumers such as you.

We all have our needs and it's obvious that not all of those needs can be met with our current earnings. But instead of using credit cards for satisfying those needs, it's highly recommended that you try increasing your earnings instead. This may take some time, but if you are earnest in your efforts, you will certainly succeed one day and most importantly, you will be able to free yourself from the vicious cycle of debt.

If at all possible, say "no thank you" the very first time you receive an introduction to credit cards - and keep saying it for the rest of your life.

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