The thing with getting a credit card when BiPolar is to keep it manageable. If you need it to build credit then you can get one, but request a very low limit, like $300 - $500. That way if you do have an Episode and have a spending binge, you can't do much damage.

To build credit with a credit card you do have to charge something on it and show that you can pay it back down with on time payments over a period of months, that doesn't mean you have to charge it to the balance. Once again, request a small max. balance and if you charge on it, pay it off each month so your not wasting money on interest.

Once you've used it over a few months and showed a charge and pay on time history, then don't carry it with you on a daily basis so your not tempted to use it when you don't need to. When you get offers to raise your balance, if you don't need to for financial reasons, don't. Keep a manageable credit limit to keep you out of potential trouble.

You also have to remember it's not just mania that can cause reckless spending, depression can often cause spending as well, people often shop as a way to try and make themselves feel better...its easier to do that when you have credit cards.

You just have to put practical rules in place to manage having a credit card that work with your BiPolar Disorder. It takes responsibility and discipline, but it can be done.

If you've been doing fine without one, then really, I say keep doing what you're doing, and don't bother with the card.

My motto is if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Congrats on the long-term stability, by the way. It's been about the same since my last hospitalization. Tis a wonderful thing!

I have a £200 cap on mine so spending cabt go too extreme. U could also tell the company ur bipolar and to to put on ur account that if u phone up asking to increase the amount that they shouldnt authourise it but this could have provlems in future if u did ever need it for higher money for whst ever guenuine reason.

Ive actually been very good with mine and more then doubled my credit score in this last year.

IMHO the less lines of credit you have, the better you are. I only have a Discover card (which I pay off each month). Also paypal credit.

Thats it. For me its hard, since my clicking mouse finger is fast. However, I do maintain a high FICO score. in the 800s. Be careful with credit cards. Watch for high APR interest rates. Some of them are highway robbery. Get a card that gives you back points.

IMHO Discover is good card. Many features. Monitoring your Social Security number for fraud. Etc etc. DONT open too many lines of credit.

I would also not get store sponsored credit cards i.e. Amazon, Best Buy, etc. They have high APR. Again, highway robbery.

I think everyone needs a credit card to establish credit. Just incase they want to think about buying a place to live. Buy a car. I think one, good credit card will be good. Just my two cents. I never miss a payment. Then your FICO score will be damaged. Then again, I buy piddly stuff. Small computer parts, etc. I never buy expensive items. Or very rarely.

I would like a new laptop soon, but I wont buy that on credit.

Always a bad idea for me. I’ve maxed all my cards and I’m in debt to my ears. Maybe you can get just one and let someone you trust hold it?

I agree that it helps to establish credit but I would keep a cap on it as well..... xo

Thanks for all the input yeah I'm doing just fine without a credit card honestly I think I just need to stay on track not only money is the way to go for me at least I know that for sure

It’s a good practice to establish credit for the future, but you’re already aware of manía spending urges so write it all down.... keep an activity log, and pay it off. I have a long history of credit, very bad in the beginning, and yes, I have debt, but I diligently pay it all on time and have for years..... best of luck!

Yeah I can only take day at a time I guess but there might be a point in time in my life where I will be able to build my credit I just want to be on the safe side I think I have a good head over my shoulders about my illness and can detect when it's not going so well so maybe in the future but now I'm going to just make sure I look for my best interests