Reader-added tags include "Beyond memory lapse", "Lead-in", and "And then, this punch line".

I am so glad my parents aren't that bad, and I will probity eat my words when they reach 70-80 years old

This is why you check the cc bills first, Kogasa.

And this is why I only use debit cards (and I only own two of them too).

In addition to staying completely debt free since the money is automatically deducted from my bank balance, it allows me to easily track the cards in use since transactions on my bank statement automatically include the debit card ID.

Etnaz said:

And this is why I only use debit cards (and I only own two of them too).

In addition to staying completely debt free since the money is automatically deducted from my bank balance, it allows me to easily track the cards in use since transactions on my bank statement automatically include the debit card ID.

But, but, think of all the perks and free stuff you get! And building your credit rating if you live in the US!

('though, yeah, that's how they get you.)

That said, the debit card has a significant disadvantage; your funds can be put on hold for 'preauthorized' transactions (like swiping your debit card before paying for gas), sometimes inordinate amounts even if you're just paying for 10$ of gas or a no-frills hotel stay, causing you to 'accidentally' overdraft later because those hold-up funds are temporarily unavailable. To make matters worse, these holds often don't show up properly online.

Yeah, scummy as hell on the part of banks. ESPECIALLY US Banks, who seem to like depending on overdraft fees as a source of revenue.

Credit cards don't have this problem, because banks essentially give you a small-time loan when you use it, instead of the money being directly transferred from your account.

Another thing is that credit cards usually offer better consumer protection, so if you get double-charged by a merchant accidentally (or charged for services you didn't authorize), it is much easier to 'chargeback'. Debit card charges are much harder to dispute.

All of this makes credit cards a better choice for small, regular purchases (including billing), IMHO.

NNescio said:
*cut for ease of reading*
All of this makes credit cards a better choice for small, regular purchases (including billing), IMHO.

Thats in the US, at least here in Western Europe just using a bank card is better since our banks are less scummy, plus I've never noticed anything about overdrafting, only time I didn't have the money when I wanted to buy something was when the Guvment took a crapton of money of my payment account without telling me beforehand because raisins.