Is Cash King or Plastic Fantastic?

Dave2012_2

In Martin's tip this week he says:

"HALF OF YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED! I was shocked last week's poll found 38% of you spend on debit cards and 17% on non-cashback credit cards, paid off in full each month. Shame on you! Use a cashback credit card and you earn cash every time you spend. Simply set up a direct debit to pay it off in full"

Has it occurred to you that a lot of people who voted simply cannot get cashback credit cards and have to use rubbish credit and debit cards?

I for one am lumped with a LloydsTSB classic card at 17.9% and an Egg card with a measly £500 limit. I simply do not get accepted for anything else. And I should be "ashamed?"

Dave

Haynonnie

"Has it occurred to you that a lot of people who voted simply cannot get cashback credit cards and have to use rubbish credit and debit cards?"

I agree with you Dave. I would think that a lot of people who visit Martin's site do so because they don't have a lot of money to spend on anything other than bare essentials and/or find they are not accepted when they apply for credit cards.

I have trouble because I have "no fixed abode" (not quite homeless, just a succession of friends' spare rooms and short term tied accommodation with various temporary jobs). Others will have a multitude of reasons for not being able to have a credit card, or maybe they choose not to have one because of the temptation factor!

sly_dog_jonah

I prefer 0% purchase credits cards, paying the minimum each month and either paying it off in full at the end of the 6/9 months or BTing to a new 0% card.

The gains for keeping the credit card cash reserve in my Cahoot Savings exceed any cashback that could be gained from credit cards.

angelatgraceland

cashback credit card or cash

lilac_lady

I thought that I might get a cashback credit card because I pay my balance off each month but didn't think that I spent enough money each month to make it worthwhile. Most of my bills are paid by direct debit so how much monthly spending would I need to make on my card to get £50 back each year?

henny_penny_2

hi I'm off to the USA & NZ & AUZ I was wondering what's the best way to take money over there? Thanks

emily_jackson

If you've not got the cash don't buy it!

IvanOpinion

henny_penny wrote:

hi I'm off to the USA & NZ & AUZ I was wondering what's the best way to take money over there? Thanks

In America we always take dollars. Since however you are doing a multi stop tour it might be best to consider the Naitonwide credit card which does not incur some charges. On the Travel Board on this site one of the regulars put up a list of the best way to take money ... not forgetting Martins article

Ivan