US-based here. Here's my strategy: Hook up credit cards to bank and setup auto-pay on full balance and treat them like debit cards. Pay for everything with th

US-based here. Here's my strategy: Hook up credit cards to bank and setup auto-pay on full balance and treat them like debit cards. Pay for everything with the credit card that gives me the most points in that category (aka 4X on dining, 3X gas, 4X groceries, 3X travel, etc). Fly for free multiple times a year by using my credit card points to book flights/transfer to airline partners. Also get a bunch of nice travel perks. My last airport meal + drink was free because of some random credit card bonus. Credit cards in the US are amazing. You also get what it essentially a 0% loan for ~40 days from after buying something and when the money comes out of your bank account, plus great fraud/return protection from Visa/Amex.