When you shop: Cash it or swipe it?
By sweet_pea
@sweet_pea (3322)
Philippines
February 21, 2011 9:15pm CST
Long before we had our credit cards, we usually pay our purchases on cash. So basically, we only purchase what our money can buy. There is no room for overspending.
I am so against having credit cards since I heard a lot of people going into credit card debts. But my dear husband of mine insisted that it can be use as a basis of your credit rating in the future when you make a loan. And so I agreed.
We use his credit cards to book us flights for our domestic trips and for appliance purchases on 0% interest and on deferred scheme. Weekly groceries should have been on cash basis but the freebies offered by credit card companies like a tall Starbucks coffee is just so enticing. And when they add up on the due date, it starts a headache! 
So how do you pay for your purchases? Do you pay it in cash or do you swipe it?
I am so against having credit cards since I heard a lot of people going into credit card debts. But my dear husband of mine insisted that it can be use as a basis of your credit rating in the future when you make a loan. And so I agreed.
We use his credit cards to book us flights for our domestic trips and for appliance purchases on 0% interest and on deferred scheme. Weekly groceries should have been on cash basis but the freebies offered by credit card companies like a tall Starbucks coffee is just so enticing. And when they add up on the due date, it starts a headache!
So how do you pay for your purchases? Do you pay it in cash or do you swipe it?3 people like this
29 responses
@babyEj (1522)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Always CASH. I don't have credit card I only have debit.. but I don't like the idea of swiping because it is like an infectious disease which hard to suppress if given a chance.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Good for you EJ! I myself don't have a credit card in my name. My husband has 2 which we use in our purchases. I think if you really want financial freedom, you better stay away from credit cards. Credit cards are such a temptation because you can get what you want without having to shed any cash at the time of purchase. But it will surely get you into debt if you don't know how to manage it.
@okgoodmarket (83)
• China
22 Feb 11
hello sweet,your discussion is very good.i agree with your opinion. usually for small amount money i am in cash,if big amount swiping credit card is necessary,which is safe and feel get items no pay,lol
what's more,online shopping credit card is convenient and assured for buyer.
2 people like this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
I haven't tried online shopping. I'm just wary about some people I might meet online and would just get my money and be gone. 
Maybe I'm just playing it safe?
Yeah, credit cards are good specially for big purchases. You hardly notice how pricey it could be because you are paying it in small amounts in a period of months.
And yes, you don't have to carry cash when you buy them. You wouldn't be paranoid of someone following you, all because you have a bunch of money stuck in your bag.
Maybe I'm just playing it safe?
Yeah, credit cards are good specially for big purchases. You hardly notice how pricey it could be because you are paying it in small amounts in a period of months.
And yes, you don't have to carry cash when you buy them. You wouldn't be paranoid of someone following you, all because you have a bunch of money stuck in your bag.
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
23 Feb 11
Yeah prepaid credit debit cards are becoming real popular in the US I'm sure that they'll become popular where your from someday as well. there great! coz you can't go over your spending limit so there's no overdraft fee's none of that stuff to worry about, and you can shop with them just like a regular card all you do is load them with your own cash and use it like you would a standard card I like em a lot and some prepaid cards offer you cash back rewards too.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Prepaid credit card? I wonder if we have that one in my country.
I think that's nice because you can manage your spending.
Is this the same as a debit card?
Yeah, it really sucks when you are in line and then the cashier will say your credit card is not good and you need to call your credit card company. And people are already looking at you because you are holding the line.
I think that's nice because you can manage your spending.
Is this the same as a debit card?
Yeah, it really sucks when you are in line and then the cashier will say your credit card is not good and you need to call your credit card company. And people are already looking at you because you are holding the line.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
22 Feb 11
I usually swipe all the time, but not credit but debit. My bank also gives me percentages back for every $10 I spend so this is how I can a little back and also a good way for me to control my expenses.
As carrying cash would cause me to spend more. lol.
2 people like this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Wow! That's a nice incentive your bank gives you with your debit card. I really am not aware if banks in my country give that kind of incentive.
It is really difficult when you have cash on hand. The tendency is they disappear without you noticing.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
To be honest, I do not have a credit card. Because I don't and chose not to have one. I fear to be stuck in debt and I want us to live according to what we have. Though credit cards can also be useful, especially during emergency eg. you need to buy milk for the babies but you dont have your money on hand yet etc. It depends on how you handle your credit card use/limit.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
I too don't have a credit card of my own. I had been issued but somehow it didn't get to my house so I wasn't able to activate it. Well I'm glad it did happen. I really wouldn't bother applying if not for the 3 free shoes you get when you apply.
Sounds tempting right?
We just had it for over a year now, and a few times we defaulted but we try to pay more than the minimum and settle everything on the succeeding month. We didn't really have a problem with our finances before because like you we only use the budget that is available. But these credit card companies are really coming up with nice treats you just can't resist.
I remember a line in Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility".
With the purchasing power we have due to a credit card, comes great responsibility to manage our finances well.
We just had it for over a year now, and a few times we defaulted but we try to pay more than the minimum and settle everything on the succeeding month. We didn't really have a problem with our finances before because like you we only use the budget that is available. But these credit card companies are really coming up with nice treats you just can't resist.
I remember a line in Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility".
With the purchasing power we have due to a credit card, comes great responsibility to manage our finances well.@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Yeah, these credit card companies are just waiting for credit cardholders to default and be in debt. They earn through the interest charges and late charges from them.
They do give out freebies, discounts to your favorite stores and restaurants. You can earn points you can redeem for items or air fares or hotel accommodations. Although, I know you'll need to use your credit card a lot for that air ticket. Wow! that's a lot of shopping spree!
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Yes, that is correct, just try to stray away from the interest it makes when you were not able to pay on the succeeding month. As above it can be very useful if only one knows how to control his/her spending. :) On the other hand, agree those treats are just so tempting, I use to see brochures being sent to my father by a certain card company and we just point and point non-stop :)
1 person likes this
@LaLaNoShade (45)
• United States
27 Feb 11
Hello Sweet_pea,
I normally use a debit card. It gives you the same rewards that are so fun to have as well as keeps your budget in balance. I think self restraint could go along way when it comes to credit cards. People go into debt because the go beyond their budgets. If people become more aware of their spending habits and get the under control, credit cards could be a helpful tool rather than a bad one. Great post...
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
2 Mar 11
Hi Lala! Welcome to Mylot!
We also have a debit card in my country, but I don't think they offer great rewards compared to those offered by credit card companies. Yup, credit cards are good if you know how to use them and can be your enemy if you use it out of control. You can sure see yourself in bad debt!
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
22 Feb 11
I do have a credit card for emergencies. For normal things, if I don't have the cash, I don't get it. I have used a credit card to get a good discount, but only to pay it off before interest is added to it.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
That's a good habit rob! Paying it before it becomes due. This would ensure that you won't get into credit card debt.
@jazel_juan (15746)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
ohh good thing i do not have one! 
i swipe but with a DEBIT CARD so then i do not receive any bills and still get freebies
i swipe but with a DEBIT CARD so then i do not receive any bills and still get freebies 1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Good for you girl!
I see we came from the same country, what debit card in our country gives out freebies? I am really not aware of it.
I see we came from the same country, what debit card in our country gives out freebies? I am really not aware of it. @mermaidivy (15395)
• United States
22 Feb 11
I pay everything with cash only because I don't own a credit card. Cash is convenient and I don't need to worry about spending more than I want or have to pay back in the coming month.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Good for you mermaidivy! Keep it up! Life is less complicated with these credit cards.
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
22 Feb 11
For me it all depends on my $ situation at the time or what I have on hand. If I know I'm going shopping then I try to save up cash and just use that. If I'm purchasing a big item, I like to use my credit card so that it doesn't take all of my cash. I will then work on paying that off. I find that it's safer to carry a credit card rather than all of that cash, so I try not to keep too much with me at one time.
1 person likes this
@TJenkins602 (142)
• United States
22 Feb 11
I do a little bit of both. I pay in cash and I swipe. But I use debit because I am on a rewards program. I earn points when I shop which could be redeemed for rewards like cash. So I am basically earning money by spending money.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
They do arrive at great programs to entice consumers to really spend.
We also have that rewards program if you are loyal to a store. At the end of the year, by December we get to buy a new shirt with it. Not much, but at least it didn't come from our own money.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
24 Feb 11
I'm not sure if it is available at where you are, but out here there is actually a debit card option. It is still like cash, because you can only use it if there is money on the account against it. And it is like credit card (aside from the obvious of swiping it through), because you also get all the freebies of the credit cards.
I prefer debit cards.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
2 Mar 11
Hi Bounce! Yeah, we also have a debit card. It is usually where our payroll accounts are deposited. Unfortunately I usually withdraw almost all of it come payday to pay our bills, so there is nothing really much left to swipe it for. Although I think it is a better option to use it rather than a credit card since you will only spend your available funds.
@unique16 (1531)
• United States
22 Feb 11
hello sweet_pea
I usually use cash and then debit card when short and last resort I still use checks sometimes and even to pay my bills. I relaize I am donosoure but it still works for me. I wonder when banks will stop accepting checks? since veryone dictating us to online accounts which I am still not comfortable and I did my e-file using a name brand software and I was rejected so I had to snail mail my returns in and I chat with them online and but nothing worked I told there glitch but do they listen no!
Thanks and have a great day!
Sincerley Unique16
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Hi Unique!
Don't they have any customer hotline you can call to help you?
Times are different now is it? Banking systems have gone automated and they seem to come up with more on-line features. They sometimes give you the scare.
Last December I was withdrawing P8,000 ($180) on an ATM and it did not dispense money but the amount was already deducted to my account and I didn't receive any money. It was a Friday and banking hours are already closed. So I called up customer service and after 3 days they have credited the money to my account.
I hope they can sort things out for you!
Last December I was withdrawing P8,000 ($180) on an ATM and it did not dispense money but the amount was already deducted to my account and I didn't receive any money. It was a Friday and banking hours are already closed. So I called up customer service and after 3 days they have credited the money to my account.
I hope they can sort things out for you!
@hemlockspruce25 (501)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
I usually go for cash..don't like to have credit cards or else I'll be tempted to swipe and swipe even for things that I don't necessarily need. Credit cards are temptations to women like us who loves shopping. Then wihtout noticing it we are already submerged in debts. Girls be smart in spending your money or swiping your cards...OR don't get credit cards at all!
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Correct! Better leave your credit cards at home when you shop to keep away from overspending or better yet, as hemlockspruce mentioned, not to get credit cards at all.
@sizzle3000 (3036)
• United States
22 Feb 11
I don't like using credit cards unless I have to. I prefer to use cash because that way I know what I have and don't have to worry about over spending or overdraft fees. This is because you're right. Right now we're in a time no one can afford to overspend. People are unemployed and just can't seem to find a job. Like my daughter. My daughter is living off her husband's income because she can't find a job. It's hard for them because they're virtually on their own and he just doesn't make enough.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
You are right. We don't want to get into debts specially we barely have money to spend on. I hope your daughter can find a job soon sizzle.
@durgabala (1360)
• India
22 Feb 11
I don't own a credit card, only debit, for small purchases its cash and for big ones its debit card. with debit i will know how much i am spending. my hubby is against credit card purchases. cards are easier for bulk purchases in shopping malls, one can be relieved of calculating the balance and giving exact changes. just that any individual should know how much they should spend.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Paying on cash or a debit card is a good practice as you only spend money that you currently have. Unlike in a credit card, you have the power to spend more than what you currently have. The temptation is there and most are falling for it.
@monty21 (119)
• India
22 Feb 11
Whenever i do shopping, i prefer purchasing on cash over swipe the card. As per my thinking, it is very safe method. But card can be misused and it does so most of the time. Yes, there are many benefits of using card. The one is you can do shopping with more money. You just need to take care of your cards. But managing the cash is very difficult. Any thief can steal this money easily from your pocket or your bag.
1 person likes this
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Pay it in cash!!! Personally, I don't own a credit card to keep me away from temptation. But one of my friend allotted one card of hers to be used only for our travels may it be a group travel or for my personal travel. We do pay it at the end of every cut off...
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Well that is one advantage I see with credit cards, you can easily book flights with them. And a must for credit cards holders, pay the full amount on due date. A lot of people are in credit card debt because they only pay the minimum amount due, and they don't know by doing this they are just getting themselves in deep debt.
@allaboutgoodlife (31)
• Philippines
22 Feb 11
Just before going home, I passed by a supermarket for some goodies. Originally I planned to pay it in cash for I have alotted a budget for it. But When I was about to pay already it all changed and gave in my credit card instead. I feel comfortable using a credit card than cash when purchasing. When the bill comes I have no problem paying it as well. I know my limmits so I don't think I would be overspending. Maybe it's really a case to case basis for each consumer.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Hi there! Welcome to Mylot!
Well credit card is not at all bad as long as you know how to use it. You can even use it to your favor like having freebies or getting discounts from your favorite stores. As long as you don't get into debts. You are just fine.
@joewilly (8)
• Canada
22 Feb 11
I couldn't live without my Debit card. Honestly, it's so much easier just to use your savings account because you don't need to carry around stacks of cash. There is also the fact that you can check every now and then your spendings online so that's a plus if you ask me. DEBIT.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
23 Feb 11
Hi joewilly! Welcome to Mylot!
I think a debit card is better than a credit card because in a debit card, as if you are already paying in cash but you are not carrying stacks of cash in your pocket. You will not get in trouble getting into debt.
