4 ms·

> I'm gonna be honest. I got the card for Form as I don't really use credit cards I'd say you should always use credit cards, except when it is not possible to

> I'm gonna be honest. I got the card for Form as I don't really use credit cards I'd say you should always use credit cards, except when it is not possible to use them. Just don't use the _credit_ part. That way you get points and whatever features your card has (purchase protection, price matching, etc).

unethical_ban 7y ago
Strictly speaking, if you have control, yes. Fraud protection, cash back, etc. are all really useful. But, if you can't control spending, just use debit. In fact, the only place I wouldn't use a debit card if I could avoid it is a gas pump (magstripe fraud) I have not found a credit card UI that helps control spending and budgeting the way that Simple (checking) does. I haven't tried integrating with Mint or others, but the realtime tangible money-moving aspect helps me realize the money and swipes I'm spending are real.
Animats 7y ago
I've used only a credit card for years. I like the protection - US credit card law is very favorable to the customer. I pay my balance down to zero once or twice a month, so it doesn't cost me any fees.
chrisseaton 7y ago
> Just don't use the _credit_ part. How do you not use the credit part?
- jccooper 7y ago
  Pay in full every month.
  - chrisseaton 7y ago
    You’re still using the credit until the end of the month though?
    - PhantomGremlin 7y ago
      Yes you are, but if you pay in full every month then you don't incur any interest charges. It's a free loan from the credit card company to you. In the past, people who paid in full every month were called "deadbeats" by the card issuers because they were far less profitable than those who carried a balance.
      - chrisseaton 7y ago
        The top tier of cards, like AmEx, are usually (not always) charge cards, so they don't structure their business off interest, instead they go for throughput and earn off merchant charges.
- SyneRyder 7y ago
  Pay the card off in full every month by the due date. Or even pay more money onto your card than you've spent, it's possible to have a positive balance on some credit cards.

unethical_ban 7y ago

Strictly speaking, if you have control, yes. Fraud protection, cash back, etc. are all really useful. But, if you can't control spending, just use debit. In fact, the only place I wouldn't use a debit card if I could avoid it is a gas pump (magstripe fraud) I have not found a credit card UI that helps control spending and budgeting the way that Simple (checking) does. I haven't tried integrating with Mint or others, but the realtime tangible money-moving aspect helps me realize the money and swipes I'm spending are real.

Animats 7y ago

I've used only a credit card for years. I like the protection - US credit card law is very favorable to the customer. I pay my balance down to zero once or twice a month, so it doesn't cost me any fees.

chrisseaton 7y ago

> Just don't use the _credit_ part. How do you not use the credit part?

jccooper 7y ago
Pay in full every month.
- chrisseaton 7y ago
  You’re still using the credit until the end of the month though?
  - PhantomGremlin 7y ago
    Yes you are, but if you pay in full every month then you don't incur any interest charges. It's a free loan from the credit card company to you. In the past, people who paid in full every month were called "deadbeats" by the card issuers because they were far less profitable than those who carried a balance.
    - chrisseaton 7y ago
      The top tier of cards, like AmEx, are usually (not always) charge cards, so they don't structure their business off interest, instead they go for throughput and earn off merchant charges.
SyneRyder 7y ago
Pay the card off in full every month by the due date. Or even pay more money onto your card than you've spent, it's possible to have a positive balance on some credit cards.