Since always.
From
http://www.m-w.com/
c: the provision of money, goods, or services with the expectation of future payment ; also : money, goods, or services so provided
I gain perks with my debt cards as well money back, and so forth. I can also track my purchases with my banks online account service. With the added plus there is no late charges, service fees, yearly membership or any interest if I missed a payment.
My wife and I have traveled with the debit card on vacations around the US. Paid for rooms, food, gas with no problems.
With a credit card you have to pay off your balance every time you can not miss a payment. I would hate to see what the intrest of "thousands of dollars of purchases" would be even at 8 1/2% much less the normal 14 - 21 % cards require you to pay.
Ours is simple we have the money we can buy it we don't have the money we don't. Credit cards are a crutch you get used to them and they will make you weak. You spend what you have and it makes you stronger. It isn't easy at first but it can be done.