During an emergency

When you know money is coming that will allow you to immediately pay off your debt. (such as when you must buy a wedding present today and your paycheck arrives tomorrow.)  

To secure travel arrangements i.e. airline tickets, rental cars or hotel reservations.

When purchasing goods from distant
companies.

    Credit cards give you special rights to stop payment when you have a legitimate problem with the merchandise. 

   Such protection comes in handy when you bought the goods through the mail, phone or Internet and returning them would be impractical.