Credit cards started showing up sometime in the late 60s, for us. At the time, we decided to just stick with what had worked for us up to that point. Travelers Checks and good old green backs.
Wasn't long until you couldn't rent a room without a CC. Seems that many motels want a CC on file so they can bill for any damages to the room or bedding appropriated when some guests leave. So then, we decided that it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a CC but by that time, the companies had quit sending offers and we spent a couple years trying to get a CC, without much luck. We finally managed to get one and kept it paid up and it wasn't long until the offers started showing up in droves. Now we have a few that pay good rewards and we will occasionally get an offer for a card that pays a good bonus after using it for a few thousand dollars in a three month period. 
Life is so much easier, now that we aren't relying on cash to try and reserve a room on the motel websites.
Do you enjoy your time in the check out line at the gas station? The best part of that experience is standing behind someone buying scratchers and then checking them while taking up space in the line.