I agree that a child, (nor anyone really for that matter), needs a credit card. We should learn to save up for what we want and need. Live a modest lifestyle and only pay for what you can afford. I know that when I used to have a credit card, I would tend to purchase more because it didn't feel like I was really spending money.And most of the time we pay more for our purchase with the cost of interest added in if not paid off every month. I am paying off student loans, but other than that, I am debt free and love not having the stress of paying off credit cards.