Credit cards have gotten a “bad rap,” mainly because of the number of people who have used credit cards irresponsibly, run up incredible credit card debt they couldn’t pay, and left the credit card companies holding the bag. But for millions of people, credit cards are a safe and convenient way to conduct business, make purchases and even travel.

Consider the traveler and the credit card. A few decades ago, a family on vacation was required to estimate expenses ahead of time and take enough cash along to pay for the entire trip. Sometimes that represented a significant amount of cash and a lost or stolen wallet was devastating to the family and the vacation.

Today, credit cards are almost a traveler’s necessity. Purchases can be made on credit cards with no hassles about accepting checks and no need to carry cash. If cash becomes necessary, travelers have immediate access through ATMs located across the country and around the world.

Another convenience of credit cards is the ability to stop payment in the case of a lost or stolen credit card. Most credit card companies will remove charges from your bill if your card is stolen and the charges are made fraudulently. In some cases, it’s even possible for travelers to get a temporary replacement card to continue their travels.

For motorists, a credit card can purchase necessary repairs, replacement parts or resolve other emergency situations on the road. Without the convenience of the credit card, some of those situations could prematurely end the vacation or even result in leaving the family stranded and in a dangerous situation.