To be honest, I don't see how the credit card would be any better.
My bank shows debit charges same day, actually just a few hours later. It even shows charges "pending authorization" on a separate section.
It is only when i am forced to use the debit card as a visa that it takes up to 3 days. This is mainly in places where they dont take debit cards, which, by the way happens to me often at gas stations. It is also common in restaurants, but I need to avoid those anyway...
i dont write checks, but the checkbook I do have has duplicate, so I would be covered.
Some things I find out when checking the bank transactions online is my sunpass, it is always $20 each time it automatically replenishes and I admit I don't reconcile with the sunpass website online. I know it happens 1-2 times a month, I allocate $35 for tolls and forget about it.
cptacek, i like the basket idea.