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Has anyone here ever switched to just using a debit card?

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On another note:

If you're big into reward points, get yourself a credit card. My parents have 2 MC cards that they use A LOT and pay off in full every month. They recently cashed in their points (2 years worth) and had enough for 2 round-trip airline tickets to Jamaica.
 
We only use our credit cards after my wife's debit card info got stolen. Luckily, I caught it the next day and I have to admit that my bank and visa (it was a visa check card) were top notch about sorting it out. However, for about a week I still didn't have the few hundred bucks that got spent put back into our account. The extra security of the credit cards is nice after we had to go through all that.
 
I have both. I recently started using the debit card for small transactions, as I need to use 10 transactions per month to get the high interest rate on a checking account (5.1%). Use CC with cashback for everything else, carry different ones for between 2-5% cashback FTW.
 
Originally posted by: erub
I have both. I recently started using the debit card for small transactions, as I need to use 10 transactions per month to get the high interest rate on a checking account (5.1%). Use CC with cashback for everything else, carry different ones for between 2-5% cashback FTW.
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What bank is this?
 
My bank (Fifth Third) gets your money back to you within 24 hours if your card is stolen.

I almost exclusively use debit unless im going to something thats cash only.
 
The amount I buy has absolutely nothing to do with the method of payment. Having said that, I use credit cards whenever possible for the convenience, protection, perks (warranty extension), and rewards.
 
Never. Too easy to have the number stolen and money withdrawn with zero recourse. Credit cards usually will not hold you liable for fraudulent purchases.
 
Credit or cash only. I won't use my debit card to buy something due to lower protections offered. Plus, better rewards on my credit card. I also don't spend money I don't have.
 
I use cash almost exclusively.

Where I don't use cash, I use the debit card. (Online bills, random stores, etc)

I get along just fine.
 
i use my debit card for everything and pay my bills online through my bank which offers free checking. helps me out a lot spending wise as if i do not have it in my wallet i do not spend it
 
If you are trying to pay down your debt, then use your debit card for everything except large purchases (which you shouldn't be making since you are trying to get out of debt).

I primarily use my debit card, and have been for the past 5+ years. I've never had an issue with it.
 
Originally posted by: coldmeat
To me, a credit card is basically the same thing as my debit. I don't use it unless I have the money in the bank to pay it off right away. I pretty much only use my credit card for online purchases and bills.
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No, I learned my lesson at a bar one night when I opened a tab using a debit card. Nothing like having zero cash on hand for a few days while the bank sorts it out. With credit, your money is not lost. Sure some banks give it back to you in 24 hours, but you never know when you might need cash.
 
Credit cards nearly exclusively. Cash for the few instances where necessary (lapdances etc 😉).

Rewards are nice. I have averaged ~$1000/year in cash rewards for the last several years. No way I'm giving that up.
 
if you can't trust yourself with credit then a debit card is a smart choice...however; even if stamped mastercard/visa/etc...they do not offer the same protections/convenience of a real credit card.

Personally I'd find a card with a cash back or point program that suits your lifestyle, pay it off at the end of each week if you can if not after any purchase (some cards limit you to 4 payments a month or less).

Interest rate is not important as you won't be planning on carrying a balance.
 
Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure
Originally posted by: TallBill
Originally posted by: coldmeat
To me, a credit card is basically the same thing as my debit. I don't use it unless I have the money in the bank to pay it off right away. I pretty much only use my credit card for online purchases and bills.
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Same. If your debit card gets stolen, thats linked to your checking account. Last thing you need is am empty checking account. If your CC gets stolen it's "Fake money" and you have time to get it back. Just use credit card and pay it off the same day like it were a debit card. That's what I do.
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even if they don't liquidate the checking account, it's sometimes weeks before you have access back to your own money.

 
Most debit cards can be used as credit cards. You get the full protection but the money comes out of your account right away so it's basically the same thing.

There are lots of studies that show if you pay cash (or equivalent) for something you are likely to rethink your purchase and end up spending significantly less. Many Financial adviser type people specifically recommend paying cash for everything specifically because it means you will be spending less.
 
Originally posted by: Kelemvor
Most debit cards can be used as credit cards. You get the full protection but the money comes out of your account right away so it's basically the same thing.

There are lots of studies that show if you pay cash (or equivalent) for something you are likely to rethink your purchase and end up spending significantly less. Many Financial adviser type people specifically recommend paying cash for everything specifically because it means you will be spending less.
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Definitely not true. Many fraud protections on debits require 24-48 hour reporting and your money is then 'frozen' until it's resolved usually.

With a credit card you have your funds available almost immediately and the timeframe to report fraud and the limits of liability are much better.

Many people assume their debit is just as safe, but if you read your fineprint you'd be surprised.
 
i don't think i've used my debit card once in the last year. i just use the cc and pay it off at the end of the month for the rewards points.
 
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