That changed in 1987 with the introduction of the Optima card — the first true credit card by American Express. (sofi.com)
(Indeed, American Express didn't issue its first true credit card until 1987.) (creditcardsmarts.org)
It builds our credit — It's true credit cards help us build out credit score (without carrying a balance) which is vital if we ever want to get a loan / mortgage or even a cell phone plan. (moneywehave.com)