I am more comfortable with exercising self control than with the idea that if my card is somehow misused I don't have access to my funds until it's straightened

I am more comfortable with exercising self control than with the idea that if my card is somehow misused I don't have access to my funds until it's straightened out. In fact, if you don't trust yourself, I'd say cash is even better, because the physical act of taking out the money makes you less likely to spend it frivolously.