Not according to the credit rating agencies, no, it's not. Handling debt responsibly is a different skill from handling cash responsibly. When it comes time to

Not according to the credit rating agencies, no, it's not. Handling debt responsibly is a different skill from handling cash responsibly. When it comes time to buy a home, for example, which 99% of people will need credit to do, the banks want to see that you can handle debt responsibly, since that's what you're taking on. Edit: Also, see my reply to GP comment that explains some of the other benefits of using a credit card.