Rose,
It's a very personalized decision I guess.
Not all of us are working any more. Need to be employed to have a credit card here unless something has drastically changed. I've never had a problem with my debit card either but I very rarely use it. Usually I just use my regular debit card (not visa but same accounts) There is no need. It's just very handy to have that number when a card is required. e.g. car hire on vacation. Can't hire unless have a visa card, either debit or credit. Lot of places work that way.