Do you use a debit card?

[mommyof4]

I do used my debit card in very limited circumstances. My bank offers me 2.5% interest on my balance if I use my debit card 10x in a month, do direct deposit, and get paperless statements. To jump through this hoop, I buy 10 $1.00 Amazon gift cards on my Amazon account with the debit card and then disconnect my debit card from my Amazon account once I made the 10 consecutive purchases. Otherwise, I use my Chase or Fidelity cash back credit cards for everything else.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

nope. Only to get cash and make deposits.

[rob62521]

We don't have a debit card. I use my credit card for most big things and write a check or use cash otherwise. It always worried me about someone having access to the debit card and possibly cleaning out my account either on purpose or by accident and I feel the credit card is a little safer.

Lately many our gas stations are charging more for using credit cards, so I'm sure it is to cover the processing fees. DH uses cash so that isn't an issue.

DH just had cataract surgery this morning and although the doctor would take a check for the money for the lens, the surgery center said cash or credit only.

[Petunia 100]

We don't have a debit card. I use my credit card for most big things and write a check or use cash otherwise. It always worried me about someone having access to the debit card and possibly cleaning out my account either on purpose or by accident and I feel the credit card is a little safer.

Lately many our gas stations are charging more for using credit cards, so I'm sure it is to cover the processing fees. DH uses cash so that isn't an issue.

DH just had cataract surgery this morning and although the doctor would take a check for the money for the lens, the surgery center said cash or credit only.

Around here, the least expensive gasoline is sold at AM/PM. They do not accept credit, only debit and cash. I won't use debit, so cash it is.

[scfr]

Nope, we are a debit-and-ATM-card-free household.
A couple times I used debit cards when required for an account bonus, but kept only a small amount in the accounts and closed them as soon as I could.

[myrdale]

Well it looks like I am the odd one out.

I exclusively use my debt card. I maintain $1,000 to $3,000 in the checking account and top it off as needed.

Gas / truck, food/supplies, takeout, stuff, luxury, entertainment, clothes, medical, all go on the debt card.

I use it at the gas pump, I hand it to the waitress in the restaurant.

On one occasion my card number was compromised. The bank called to inform me and the transaction was canceled and a new card was issued. Other than that I have never had a problem.

I still pay my utilities, power, water, gas, phone, cable by check.

Practically the only time I handle cash is when I am sending birthday cards to my niece or nephew.

I now have two store credit cards, but those are just for a few odds and ends to keep the FICO gods content.

[disneysteve]

Well it looks like I am the odd one out.

I exclusively use my debt card.

Why do you prefer a debit card to a credit card?

[mumof2]

weird over here in australia I don't know anyone who uses checks...they take at least 3 days to clear so you can't get your money till then....and most people here use their debit cards for everything...

[myrdale]

Why do you prefer a debit card to a credit card?

Sorry for the delayed response, I've been out of town for Christmas.

Ultimately it is budgeting and convenience. At the start of each month I set the balance in that account to about $3k. Every time I swipe the card, I know it is real dollars that I am using. I try to make a point at least once a week to look at the balance. The spending is spread out over the month instead of getting hit with a $1000 bill all at once. While there is no net difference, it is all a head game for me.

There is alot of talk about credit being safer. You're never responsible for fraudulent charges, period. Maybe there is some headache associated with having money taken out fraudulently, but I haven't experienced this yet. I have had my card number compromised once. The bank called while I was at a ball game and asked if I was buying groceries on the other side of the state. The charges didn't go through and the card was replaced. Always run it as debt so you use your PIN. I suspect the thief tried running as credit but I don't know.

For gas pumps, I tend to only buy gas at a couple of locations. If I am out of town, I typically try to get the pump closest to the cashier's window. Some superstition over if a thief is going to tamper with a gas pump, they will not do the one up front.