Credit cards aren't evil. The way credit cards are used is evil. Credit cards are used by the issuing banks to enslave you to a vicious cycle of debt.  

Let's back up and explain ... credit cards are not money in the bank. They are loans made to you from a bank upon which you can draw from at anytime. A bank will tell you, "we like you enough to give you $5000 to spend." Sounds like a deal, right? In most cases, it's not. 90% of people will run out and buy $5000 worth of stuff they don't need, but want. This is exactly what the credit card companies want, since it allows them run the gauntlet on interest charges.

Interest is money you pay to the credit card companies for use of their money. It's the reverse of a savings account or certificate of deposit, but the difference is in the amount on interest paid. When you let the bank use your money, you'll be lucky to get 5%. When the you use the bank's money they get 10%, 15%, 20% or even more. This is the vicious cycle. People will "max out" their credit cards, which means they hit the limit the bank will lend them. At this point they either pay off the amount they borrow or they make a "minimum payment." Minimum payments are suckers bets.

Minimum payments are what the credit card companies will accept for servicing your debt. Most companies make you pay 4% of your balance each month to retain use of their services. Now, where does the sucker part come in? Look at this chart. It assumes you have maxed out a $5000 credit card with a 18% interest rate and you make the minimum payments. It's a big chart so you'll have to click on it to see it.

Amazing, eh? If you max out a $5000 credit card and just make minimum payments it'll take you 12.5 years to pay off and you'll pay more than 50% in interest. Is this a great racket or what? 

You do need a credit card. They are good for emergencies, building your credit and most importantly, convenience.  Additionally, many of the credit card issuers offer bonuses such as airline miles or cash back. The critical thing to remember, though, is that a credit card is a very high interest loan to you. 

Here are the things you can do to avoid credit card problems:

1. Never spend more than you have in the bank.
2. Pay off the credit card each month.
3. Don't get more than two credit cards of any type.
4. Understand that credit card companies are not your friend.

College is the time when credit card companies will flood you with offers. They figure they can get their high interest, easy credit drug into your system for life. You'll be offered a t-shirt to sign up, the promise of $50 or some other promotional stunt. Don't be stupid and avoid these.  

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