Not wanting a Credit/Debit Card.

boris-the-blade

I fully agree that debit/credit cards are more convenient - and saves having to carry around dirt old notes!

However, it does comes at a cost... Every single transaction is traceable!

That is one of the reasons why the banking corporations are encouraging the use of electronic money.

Initially one may think that only fraudsters, criminals and terrorists are affected - since they may need to conceal their financial activities. However, it does actually affects us all though, as it allows our spending patterns and financial activity to be closely monitored.

Supermarket loyalty schemes also serve the same purpose (in addition to establishing customer loyalty of course). They are able to monitor every single item you purchase - hence why I get offers for cat food with my Tesco mail (and never dog food) - as it's clear from my weekly shopping that I have a cat.

Again many will disagree, and argue that there is no harm in retailers and banks having this all info about us - but I beg to differ and do think there are implications. Big brother is watching carefully!

rb10

boris-the-blade wrote: »

Initially one may think that only fraudsters, criminals and terrorists are affected - since they may need to conceal their financial activities. However, it does actually affects us all though, as it allows our spending patterns and financial activity to be closely monitored.

I can safely say that my bank doesn't care in the slightest that I spent £12.34 in Boots yesterday afternoon, before going to Sainsbury's and spending £23.45.

Yes, they have this information, and I am sure that one day they will come up with a system that can make use of this.

But for now (and, in fact, even when that day comes), who cares? What is the problem with them knowing where and when I shop?

boris-the-blade wrote: »

Supermarket loyalty schemes also serve the same purpose (in addition to establishing customer loyalty of course). They are able to monitor every single item you purchase - hence why I get offers for cat food with my Tesco mail (and never dog food) - as it's clear from my weekly shopping that I have a cat.

That's pretty sensible of them, and saves you hassle. When you get post from Tesco, it'll be something that you are (potentially) interested in. There's no point in them bothering cat owners with offers for dog food.

It's not as if there's someone in Tesco head office watching your every move.

boris-the-blade wrote: »

Again many will disagree, and argue that there is no harm in retailers and banks having this all info about us - but I beg to differ and do think there are implications.

I would love to hear what these implications are, and if any of them actually exist.

redpete

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Or I just draw cash, from an ATM, as and when I need it.

Which is exactly how you are allowed to decide to use a debit card.

tomsco

So once again, what is wrong with a debit card. You don't want to use in store? Then go and withdraw cash with it whenever you want.

[Deleted User]

I think we are getting away from the point.

I don't want a Debit/Credit Card, and I should be asked if I want one, not told I will be getting one.

bigadaj

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

I think we are getting away from the point.

I don't want a Debit/Credit Card, and I should be asked if I want one, not told I will be getting one.

Right, so the analogy is that you've gone into a car dealers, want the base model but they've only told you that you can have a higher spec for no more money. In thissce ation you ate throwing your toys out of te pram, rather than taking the car and not using the air conditioning, heated seats etc

Gromitt

The more 'advanced' we get, the more fraud the banks are basically asking for.

Cash card: If you lose it or it gets stolen, it can only be used for getting money out of an ATM. You have three goes at the passcode and then the card gets eaten.

Debit card: If you lose it or have it stolen, someone could use it online. You could lose hundreds of pounds before noticing.

Contactless Debit card: You could lose hundreds of pounds and still have the card in your wallet.

Of course, if your with Natwest, you don't even need a card to withdraw funds from an ATM.

[Deleted User]

Gromitt wrote: »

Of course, if your with Natwest, you don't even need a card to withdraw funds from an ATM.

How does that work :huh:

lovinituk

boris-the-blade wrote: »

blah blah blah

What a load of conspiracy clap trap!!

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

I think we are getting away from the point.

I don't want a Debit/Credit Card, and I should be asked if I want one, not told I will be getting one.

if that's all you have to worry about in life then think yourself lucky! Seriously, why it should warrant any more than a passing thought, I just don't know!!

cos_2

I hope the OP can get this sorted. He is absolutely correct in asking for a product that does what he wants without adverse criticism being heaped upon him.

Several years ago my debit card account was ripped off to the tune of around £6500. I spent a month getting it sorted out. If I'd used a cash card account that could not have happened. One simple reason not to want a debit card account.