Cash?? Credit Card??

[Seasonal]

I do use charge and debit cards but carry cash for items under about $30. My experience is that younger people never seem to use cash. Wonder if my use of cash is a sign that I am older.

[Herk7769]

Since we have a cash back credit card I use it for all transactions where the card never leaves my hand.

Cash for dinners and such where they want to hold/take my card.

Every compromise happened at a gas station or dinner where the card was out of sight.

Since our fuel purchases are small, 10-13 gallons, the 5 cents (typically) savings (50 to 65 cents) is not worth the increased theft risk, IMO.

I minimize theft risk by pre-pay for diesel when I can. My driver information center shows gallons used and is pretty accurate. I multiply the gallons used by the price per gallon and only prepay for that much; then zero it out for the next stop.

[camper1999]

Credit Cards as much as possible due to getting cash back. But we take some cash just in case.

[OKI Marine]

We use both. We like to pay for fuel with cash. A couple of years ago we stopped at Pilots to get Diesel. We used our credit/debit card at two different fill-ups and it put a $500 hold fee on each transaction. They stayed on there for about 4 days. Lesson learned, no more paying for fuel with the card unless absolutely necessary.

[comfun1]

I would like to know what card gives you 5% back on gas? I am only getting 3% back.

[camper1999]

Originally Posted by comfun1

I would like to know what card gives you 5% back on gas? I am only getting 3% back.

My chase and discover cards do during the summer months. You do have to activate it to take advantage of it.

[PhoneDude 8289]

Credit card and cash. If we run low on cash we find our bank branch and draw from there ATM. CC is payed off every month, we hate interest charges. In the past 5 years "$0" interest.

[dcheatwood]

Safe is good but also a squirrel hole less noticeable.

[Hudlow]

I always keep a C-note (or 2) tucked away in my wallet for emergencies. Cash will get the ball rolling when you're in a bind.

Beyond that I carry enough cash to get me through a meal or a fill-up, a roadside stop for a jar of local honey or whatever is needed in a day's time.

Debit card whenever accepted or convenient for groceries and general shopping.

About the only time a CC is used is for on-line transactions like reservations or purchases because of the protection it offers.

[camper1999]

Just a side note. As a former Banker credit cards are much safer to carry and use then cash or a debit card.

[Prothos]

we carry a small bit of cash. mostly use credit/debit. i have a 2nd account with a credit union that i normally only keep the amount of money we will need for a trip in it. so if something happens they wouldnt have access to my main account. plus i keep 1 cc from that same credit union for an emergency. I clean my wallet out of other card with the exception of gas cards and leave those in the safe at home.