Hubby and I don’t use our credit cards anymore. We pay cash for everything via atm card. Everybody should be doing it this way.
We’ve been happily brainwashed by Dave Ramsey.
I use debits cards and don’t carry much cash working in Downtown Baltimore. Cash can’t be replaced.
How is this the same as cash? ATM cards are also subject to being duplicated, and there are a number of ways the thieves have to sneak a peak at your pin code while getting the card number.
You might use cash at the restaurant, but the ATM where you got the cash is still a weak point for security.
Unfortunately, there are cases where credit cards are essential - try renting a car on your Debit card... not a good idea.
Cards that give airline miles and other rewards, paid off monthly, are a great idea too.
But they all take discipline - something the vast majority have no concept of.
I'm just the opposite. I use my ATM cards at ATM machines. Period. At the POS, it's AX or DS always.
Some years ago, when the "check card" was introduced, I called my bank and asked if my new card, which had a VI or MC logo (I don't remember which), could be used without entering a PIN. When they said it could, I complained, and a day later I had a replacement card minus the card company logo.
The trouble with ATM cards is, if there's a problem, the bank has your money, and you have to get it back from them. With credit cards, if there's a problem, the card company has to get it out of you, not the reverse.
Also, the card companies are enmeshed in competition over rewards points and cash-back nonsense. E.g., last February, Discover offered me $150 cash back if I would be so good as to charge $500 in each calendar month through June. $150 is six percent of $2500. Not a sustainable promotion. So, I took them up on it. One or two more shopping trips to go, and I've got my $150.