Did I make the right choice?

Money_and_Travel

When I applied for my Credit Card, I explained to the lady at the bank that I needed it mostly for buying online, and booking hotels, both here and abroad.

She asked if a Debit Card wouldn't be a better choice, to which I answered there was better protection (Section 75 etc.) with a Credit Card.

Am I right, or have I fallen for a myth I heard somewhere?

Brie

Certainly better for shopping protection especially online.  The only reason I can think that a debit card might be suggested is in case you were going to get cash out of an ATM particularly when you are abroad.  

born_again

While a CC does have S75 cover, both Debit & Credit have chargebacks, which cover most issues.

S75 is not a cover all ins, it simply makes the CC jointly and severally liable for breach of contract or misrepresentation. On purchases over £100 & below £30K

grumbler

Money_and_Travel said:

.... both here and abroad.

For spending abroad (including online from UK) some debit cards are better than some credit cards.

400ixl

Ideally you want both, both to have spot exchange rates and the debit card to have no ATM charges (from the card, there may still be some from the ATM supplier).

Also if possible have them for different card suppliers (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) in case there are issues with one of those.

Money_and_Travel

Brie said:

The only reason I can think that a debit card might be suggested is in case you were going to get cash out of an ATM particularly when you are abroad.  

I always take plenty of cash, when abroad.

The only time I'd need to draw cash, would be in a dire emergency, and the fees would be my least concern.

sausage_time

Be careful carrying too much cash - here or on your travels.

Money_and_Travel

sausage_time said:

Be careful carrying too much cash - here or on your travels.

I don't carry massive amounts on holiday, because I always go all inclusive, or at the least Bed, Breakfast and  evening meal

I generally allow about 50 Euros a day.

400ixl

Far better these days to not take cash (just a very small amount for when needed) and just use a debit/credit card with no fees. 

Money_and_Travel

400ixl said:

Far better these days to not take cash (just a very small amount for when needed) and just use a debit/credit card with no fees. 

What happens when the system fails?

I know a couple who took almost no money, and both their cards were unusable for several days.

They spent those days stuck in the hotel.

I've never been comfortable with relying exclusively on cards.

Whenever I buy petrol, even when using a card, I make sure I have enough cash to cover the bill, just in case.

400ixl

What happens if you lose or have you cash stolen on the first day of the holiday? Probably more likely than having all forms of digital currency not work.

Having a small amount of cash is worth having as I say. Maybe 1 days spend.

Do you pay for everything in cash when in the UK? There is no difference to being abroad these days, and the principles are the same. Always have multiple cards with multiple backs across multiple providers. The fact you can have them all as virtual cards on your phone means it is not inconvenient to carry them around.