Random Thread is Random: Debit, Credit, or Cash?

[kittykat]

I use cash for things that are less than $10 or so. Other that that, I'm usually using a debit card. I buy things online with a credit card. My parents are sticklers about financial responsibility, so I got a credit card when I was able to that I pay off every month because they want me to have good credit. If I don't have the money for it, I just don't buy it. It's way easier to save up for a few months than carry the charge for months gaining close to 20% interest on it all the while.

[LadyKaiko]

@kittykat: That's how I feel. If you don't have money, save up for it.

[justanotherhater]

I rarely ever carry cash. I always use my debit card. I have a credit card that I never use though. Just every once in a while when I shop online, but that's about it.

[mommyoftwogirlsca]

Debit all the way I don't have credit cards anymore. I gave them up when I filed personal bankruptcy.

[hellotimebomb]

Cash or Debit. Small purchases I make in cash, larger purchases I pay with my debit card. I have a credit card that I only use to keep up a good credit score and never spend more than 30% of my monthly limit. I only use it to pay my netflix account and a few online purchases where I can't use paypal.

If I can't pay for something on the spot, I save up for it first and then buy it For example items like laptops, cameras, TVs, vacations etc. My iPhone 5 I bought off Apple's website and have a non-contract plan. The only exceptions for me personally are a mortgage, car payments (within reason), and student loans.

I'm a major control freak and I'm very anal about my finances! I'm not cheap, infact I love to splurge, but I live within my means and only spend money if I can afford it or I'm willing to go without something else to compensate.

[BrunetteBarbie]

Debit, I never want to get a credit card, I don't trust myself :/

[LadyKaiko]

Debit, I never want to get a credit card, I don't trust myself :/

I don't trust myself either. :/

[featherly]

Credit cards for most purchases but for things like food, I use cash. I hate being the only person at the dinner table to be using a card. I monitor my credit card online like a hawk. I'd say I'm pretty good with my money so I'm fine with credit cards. I don't buy anything I know I can't pay for. Plus I need to build up a good credit score if I want my own house in the next few years.

[Ireth0]

Debit always, I never have cash on me. My credit card is only used for online purchases or to have bills charged to which I pay off as soon as I see the charge from a fund set aside specifically for bills.

[catcherintherye]

Always debit. If I use credit (I have one credit card and two store cards) I pay off the full amount before the due date.

[catcherintherye]

Always debit. If I use credit (I have one credit card and two store cards) I pay off the full amount before the due date.

[TaylorKnows]

I normally use my debit card but I try to at least have some cash on me in case of an emergency, even if it's just $5. In case I can't use my card or something comes up. I have a co-signed credit card but only use it when my mom tells me to (like if I'm taking a friend out to dinner and she wants me to treat, she doesn't want me to spend my own money).

[Angie V]

I have a debit card only but I use the credit option on it, never debit unless I have to. It's safer (you don't have to use your PIN) and faster, and the money comes out of your account the same way it does if you use debit.

I don't like paying with cash mainly because I don't like to carry it around and jingling change just ends up all over the place.

I use the text message service my bank (Chase) provides which is really convenient because you can be anywhere and text them to see how much money you have and they reply right away. I love it.

[loopyloo]

I pay for almost everything with my credit card. I pay it off in full every month and there is a loyalty scheme attached to it so I make money from it (I got £69 in vouchers in my last statement). In the UK you also get extra protection if you make large purchases on a credit card. I would never buy something large with cash so there is a paper trail. I have had a credit card since I was 18 and have never done anything stupid with it. I carry around £100 of cash for small purchases and emergencies.

[Guest]

I hate carrying change around. I always try to keep a £10 note in my purse for emergencies, but I usually pay by debit card. I never want to own a credit card, too much temptation!

[LadyKaiko]

Usually when I have cash on me, it's for bills, like rent and the light bill. Cash is the only way we can pay the rent, and I like to pay the light bill with cash. And I always give my dad money for my car insurance in cash.

[Sonia]

I pay for almost everything with credit cards. I use my checking account for bills/rent/etc. I've been working on building my credit for the past few years and have no debt. I always pay them off every month, so I don't buy anything I can't afford. I have the Amazon credit card which accumulates points, and every 100 is $1 to spend on Amazon. It's pretty awesome for someone like me who buys a ton of stuff online.

[Maris Crane]

90% of the time, debit. Credit card for online, or outside the country, or specific merchants for the extra points. Hardly ever cash, except at like, the dollar store or for coffee.

[FaeSolo]

I prefer debit, but due to my job I always have cash. I waitress, but I don't deposit it into my account half the time because we have to keep a "bank" for people who pay cash for their meals.

[wanderlust]

I don't think credit cards are tempting, but I have family members who have had a lot of trouble with them. It's like people think they are these magical things they can use with no consequences...no such thing as free money and there are always consequences.

When I have a credit card one day, I'll treat it as if it were a debit card. Only an emergency would warrant using it when I didn't have the money...and no I don't mean a "fashion emergency" lol which is the typical excuse they use on tv shows when people have credit cards.