I use my credit card for almost literally everything. I would put my house payments on it if I could. I pay it off in full every month, so I do not ever pay any interest. In facdt, I get a generous amount of cash back. It has nothing to do with affording things. It means I do not have to carry cash. I don't like carrying cash. As for autos, your view is impractical in many parts of the country. A car isn't a luxury if you live where there isn't any public transportation. You need a car to get to work.