Credit Cards

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Fri Aug 27, 2010 8:06 pm

I don't understand why everyone does not have a credit card. It beats carrying cash around in your pocket. Yes it takes discipline and self control to not over use the card and to pay off the balance each month to avoid finance charges. But consider this, there are cards that have no annual charges or fees and pay you 2% back on ALL PURCHASES. You buy something for $100 and you are credited with $2.00. How much will the merchant give you back if you pay cash? I haven't carried more than $5.00 in cash in over 20 years and use a credit card for just about everything and have not paid any finance charges in that time either.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Fri Aug 27, 2010 9:52 pm

I use a credit card, but its paid off each month.

If I cannot afford to buy something....I don't.

I prefer debit card, its just so handy.

I also carry some cash as some merchants don't use credit cards machines nor debit as it costs them for renting the machines.

fuzzywuzzy · Post by **fuzzywuzzy** » Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:46 pm

Yeah I prefer debit cards . But Lon I live in a place where Card facilities arent always available. They don't have facilities like that at the local footy games.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 5:44 am

I have 3 cards, only charge gas or plane tickets and pay them off monthly. They come in handy when I have a big household emergency-like a new water heater or something like that.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:03 pm

Debit cards are fine, but the don't give you a 2% discount on what you buy do they? You would pay $100 and I would pay $98.00

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:12 pm

Lon;1330048 wrote: Debit cards are fine, but the don't give you a 2% discount on what you buy do they? You would pay $100 and I would pay $98.00 I agree although I do have a debit card also. I have no Idea of what I pay monthly... that Is what husbands are for... we do not need to know these things.

I mainly use Visa but It gets the most use on my 'Paddy Power betting account'. They transfer winnings to my debit account that then turns Into shoe's and handbags.

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:32 pm

I just use a prepaid credit card. That way, it's impossible to live outside my means.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:37 pm

Saint_;1330079 wrote: I just use a prepaid credit card. That way, it's impossible to live outside my means.

That's fine, but you are still paying premium and not getting a 2% discount

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:26 pm

what company gives you a 2% discount?

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:31 pm

Odie;1330097 wrote: what company gives you a 2% discount?

I will send you a PM so it doesn't look like I am pushing or promoting a company.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:35 pm

Lon;1330098 wrote: I will send you a PM so it doesn't look like I am pushing or promoting a company.

thank you!

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:42 pm

I have airline cards, which I've been using heavily, and a new one I got which gives me back money credits. I'm still trying to figure out how it works and if it's paying me more than the other ones. For anything travel-related; hotels, rental cars, airline, cruises they give me $100 increments which I apply to a specific charge. So far I've taken $400 off my bills. I've had it about 4 months.

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:46 pm

I once read that over 100,000 credit cards are stolen every day. I've also noticed that VERY few stores actually check ID with the card. At least with mine, I know that they cannot wipe me out or steal my identity.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:48 pm

the one I have gives me money off my groceries at several different grocery stores.

that's a huge help!:-6

It's also connected to my bank, which has no fees whatsoever.......none

on any type of account.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:48 pm

Lon;1329787 wrote: I don't understand why everyone does not have a credit card. It beats carrying cash around in your pocket. Yes it takes discipline and self control to not over use the card and to pay off the balance each month to avoid finance charges. But consider this, there are cards that have no annual charges or fees and pay you 2% back on ALL PURCHASES. You buy something for $100 and you are credited with $2.00. How much will the merchant give you back if you pay cash? I haven't carried more than $5.00 in cash in over 20 years and use a credit card for just about everything and have not paid any finance charges in that time either.

Many outlets here will not accept, or surcharge, any credit card purchase under £10. That, and the number of outlets who do not accept cards of any kind, means that you still have to carry cash or go without.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:28 pm

Bryn Mawr;1330605 wrote: Many outlets here will not accept, or surcharge, any credit card purchase under £10. That, and the number of outlets who do not accept cards of any kind, means that you still have to carry cash or go without.

That's interesting Bryn. The use of credit cards is so rampant here that merchants have to accept them or not do any business and of course any costs that the merchant has by accepting cards is passed onto the consumer. Now, even Mc Donald's accepts CC and of course the price of their burgers has gone up.

The use and acceptance of credit cards in New Zealand is also widespread.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 11:09 pm

Lon;1330630 wrote: That's interesting Bryn. The use of credit cards is so rampant here that merchants have to accept them or not do any business and of course any costs that the merchant has by accepting cards is passed onto the consumer. Now, even Mc Donald's accepts CC and of course the price of their burgers has gone up.

The use and acceptance of credit cards in New Zealand is also widespread.

It's widespread here, just not universal.

For the like of McDs we're beginning to move to contactless cards (PayWave and PayPass) but acceptance is slow and it's a long way from taking off.