Paper or plastic? (nothing to do with bags).?

Question

Which one do you use more of, you cash or your credit card. Which one is more safe? Which one is more easy to use? I use my debit card everywhere I go, but should I start using my cash now. What do you think?

Answer 1

I prefer a credit card vs. a debt card or cash. Reason being that my debit card is linked to my checking account. I have been hit by identity theft twice, and if your debit info is taken, there goes your emergency cash, unless you have a well stocked savings account. I use credit, because at the end of the year I get a report of everything I spend, so I see where every dollar goes. Additionally, I have an American Express that gives me cash back, so I charge, then pay it in full. At the end of the year, I get a detailed report for tax purposes and cash back for my purchases. Last year I got $200 back. And if someone takes my info, my cash isn't gone. Companies are normally good about tracking fraud, but some companies take days to resolve your issue, and how many days can you go without any emergency cash.

If you think you may over charge, you can ask your credit card company to decrease your limit to a comfortable level you can manage.

In case of an emergency where I need cash, I still have cash available.


p.s Pay in full often to avoid over spending.

p.p.s If you pay your card on time you can also call your credit card company, and ask them to lower your interest rate if you do need to carry a balance. Some companies extend the 0% intro rate period. So, in closing, play the game smart.

hope this help

Answer 2

When this strategy (charging for plastic bags) was implemented in California, almost everyone started bringing reusable bags (can't remember the exact success rate off the top of my head but it was high) -- it actually worked. And they are actually not doing it for profit (and believe me, I do know that Wal-Mart is all about making a profit), it is to reduce the disposable bag usage. A lot of people, when faced with an economic incentive (in this case, not having to pay for bags over and over), will choose the greener option when they might not have otherwise done so. In other countries around the world, this is the norm and everyone uses reusable bags. It's just the getting used to it. You can buy them for 99 cents a piece from a lot of stores (or as someone says above, you can just use what you already have) and they can be used over and over for a variety of things (not just as shopping bags). Edit: I also want to mention that almost all plastic (except for the special eco-friendly plastic that uses corn) is made of petroleum. Meaning oil. Oil is a non-renewable resource (once it's gone, it's gone) and the world's supply is getting low. It will not last forever. I have heard some say that we will see oil run out in our lifetime - I am not sure if this will happen, but it's something to think about. Not to mention the high costs of oil, both economically and environmentally.

Answer 3

I use my credit card more and barely use my debit card. I also use cash a lot of the time but usually i just use my credit card. Thing is you can build up your credit if you use your credit card alot of the times. However, it does kinda make you spend more.

Answer 4

I usually use my debit card because it's the easiest.

The safest to pay with, in terms of protecting yourself from fraud and bunk charges is actually credit cards. Debit cards/your bank will less often fight for you, although some are very good. With your credit card, if-for example, you get screwed on ebay- you can call them, tell them the issue, and they can pull the payment and fight with the seller directly.

Cash is the least safe in terms of fraud and proving payment without receipts, however, if you lose your credit card or debit card, you obviously have a larger chunk of change for an unscrupulous person to play with.
It all depends on what you are comfortable with.

Answer 5

I prefer cash. anything you put on a credit card you pay interest on so that 40 dollar meal before tip actually cost you about 48 dollars plus tip. You debit card is good but be careful with it and receipts.

Answer 6

im using cash now because credit cards are the devil...you dont realize how much you spend. Then one sweet day you get your bill and you get a freakin heart attack! but debit cards are good too, u dont need to carry a bunch of cash and they deduct money right out of your account.

Answer 7

I use my debit card. It is like writing a check on my checking account but it is quicker. A debit card is cash; it is the cash you have in your bank account.

A debit card is not a credit card.

Answer 8

For purchases under $50.00, I usually use cash. Over that, I tend to use my debit card.
I only use credit cards for travel and on-line shopping.

Answer 9

I use both. I use cash more than credit. cash is better because there is no interest rate on purchase.debit cards are are good to use also.

Answer 10

i think a credit card is okay if you don't abuse it..these people will give you a credit card in a heartbeat and it is safer than carrying cash. but you have to pay it off every month or you'lldig yourself into debt. as fast as you can get a card..just be careful and if you shop obsessively use cash or write a check...watch your checking acct. balance as well you don't want to bounce a check!