ALERT If you don't have one already, GET A DEBIT CARD ASAP

[Dennis Olson]

I just wanted to post this up as a public service announcement. It looks like cash buys are going away for an indeterminate period. I know that many of you eschew the use of plastic. I felt motivated to "nudge" you to get one as quickly as you can. When all this is over, you can burn it. Until then, you may not be able to buy food or other supplies without one.

 

[Dozdoats]

Well timed NUDGE. From me, too, with a pointy elbow. DO IT, people.

Options are options and you need all you can get.

 

[lakemom]

I do have a debit card, I just use it as little as possible. Mainly to pay bills online or fuel up. If I HAVE to use one, I will, I just prefer not to.

But, yeah, you're right. If you don't already have one, you better get one.

 

[Profit of Doom]

Especially if you’re going to Mickey D’s

 

[1911user]

I have a debit card (that doubles as an ATM card) but only use a credit card when plastic is needed. Much more protection when the card is eventually compromised plus checks don't start bouncing.

 

[20Gauge]

I understand the desire to have a debit card due to the coin / cash shortage.

Just remember that debit cards DO NOT share the same protections as a credit card. If someone steals the money from a debit card, there is no obligation on the part of the bank to do anything. They are not even required to restore your account.

If you instead use a credit card, there are protections against theft.

Thanks!

 

[Dennis Olson]

To hell with Mickey D's. How about the grocery store, the hardware store, etc, etc, etc?

These days, most all debit cards can be used as credit cards. Just answer the question on the card reader "NO" when asked "Is this a debit card?"

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I have one, but seldom use it. I will if I have to, though. The only time I use it now is to get cash out of the ATM. Oh well.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I understand the desire to have a debit card due to the coin / cash shortage.

Just remember that debit cards DO NOT share the same protections as a credit card. If someone steals the money from a debit card, there is no obligation on the part of the bank to do anything. They are not even required to restore your account.

If you instead use a credit card, there are protections against theft.

Thanks!

Banks might not be obligated to do anything, but twice that we have had that happen to us, our bank fully restored our account. I guess it depends on your bank.

 

[Dennis Olson]

All banks today offer "hacking" account restoration, where if your card info was stolen and used without your knowledge. Where the protection differs is for purchases where the vendor stiffs you or the item arrives damaged and they won't work with you. For those incidents, a CC is better.

 

[TxGal]

Good heavens, I'm really, really starting to think we're all rolling downhill fast into a collapse. All that prepping we've all done is a very good thing.

 

[Sacajawea]

Best security for a debit card is a separate account at a different bank, from the rest of your accounts.

 

[Sicario]

One of these days the thread title will be:
If you don't have one already, GET A CHIP IMPLANT ASAP.
You won't buy or sell without it!

 

[Dennis Olson]

One of these days the thread title will be:
If you don't have one already, GET A CHIP IMPLANT ASAP.
You won't buy or sell without it!

You'll never see that coming from ME, of that you can be assured.

 

[danielboon]

Especially if you’re going to Mickey D’s

They still take cash there

 

[Deanne]

So what do you do about the cash you have at home?

 

[danielboon]

You'll never see that coming from ME, of that you can be assured.

Nope me neither

 

[Dennis Olson]

So what do you do about the cash you have at home?

I'd just hang onto it.

 

[Profit of Doom]

They still take cash there

They said exact change. Don’t know if they would refuse to take dollars only, or just not give you coins.

 

[Bicycle Junkie]

I will never have a debit card.

Many years ago I had one. I used it at a retailer I had used it at before. I was about to enter my PIN when the clerk said no need it was already in their system. I used a credit card for that transaction instead. Then I immediately went to the bank and cancelled the debit card.

Another reason I won't have a debit card is because some years ago, I was robbed in Paris France (subway escalator double team front and back shove and hand into the front pocket; I shoved back and found my wallet missing a half hour later) and was able to cancel my credit card and reverse the charges. If I'd had a debit card the robbers would have gotten a lot of money and merchandise.

Gas pumps sometimes have skimmers. If a debit card is used, the skimmers will clean out your account.

NEVER OWN OR USE A DEBIT CARD. IF YOU HAVE ONE CUT IT UP AND CANCEL IT.

 

[Cardinal]

Better yet, get a few loadable debit/credit cards.
Much as everyone hates Walmart, they sell em. Most do not require a fee to load them, and you can put money on them for separate uses. One for utilities, one for gas and groceries, one for online (only) stuff.
Only put the money on it you intend to spend.
This prevents a lot of bad stuff.
Do not link them to any account.

 

[Cardinal]

I will never have a debit card.

Many years ago I had one. I used it at a retailer I had used it at before. I was about to enter my PIN when the clerk said no need it was already in their system. I used a credit card for that transaction instead. Then I immediately went to the bank and cancelled the debit card.

Another reason I won't have a debit card is because some years ago, I was robbed in Paris France (subway escalator double team front and back shove and hand into the front pocket; I shoved back and found my wallet missing a half hour later) and was able to cancel my credit card and reverse the charges. If I'd had a debit card the robbers would have gotten a lot of money and merchandise.

Gas pumps sometimes have skimmers. If a debit card is used, the skimmers will clean out your account.

NEVER OWN OR USE A DEBIT CARD. IF YOU HAVE ONE CUT IT UP AND CANCEL IT.

There is an app you can download on your phone to check for skimmers.
Having a loadable card is as safe as you can get.
Just don't link it to an account.

 

[Dennis Olson]

Folks, more and more establishments are no longer taking cash. We've seen the multiple stories over the past couple of weeks. You do NOT want to be on the wrong side of this particular bell curve. It takes about 7 days from the time you order the card to the time it arrives.

There's an app out there for you smartphone folks called "Cash App." You hook it up to a bank account and you can move money into and out of the app. They offer a debit card card as well. This adds another layer of separation between the card and your bank account. Only you can load money into the account that the card can access.

 

[raven]

I have one. In fact, I have two. At different banks.
One I never use. The other, I only use in the bank.

I also have a credit card for each of those banks.
I use one for utilities and recurring payments.
The other, I use for point of sale purchases.

 

[Cardinal]

Folks, more and more establishments are no longer taking cash. We've seen the multiple stories over the past couple of weeks. You do NOT want to be on the wrong side of this particular bell curve. It takes about 7 days from the time you order the card to the time it arrives.

There's an app out there for you smartphone folks called "Cash App." You hook it up to a bank account and you can move money into and out of the app. They offer a debit card card as well. This adds another layer of separation between the card and your bank account. Only you can load money into the account that the card can access.

Or buy one at Wallyworld and load it right away. No waiting.
The cash app thing sounds interesting, will check it out.

 

[Dennis Olson]

It's very interesting. You can load, unload, lock and unlock the card at will from the app. Then use the debit card for purchases. Nice and secure.

 

[Walrus Whisperer]

I'm betting the plumber I need to come in won't mind cash at all.

 

[Dennis Olson]

Individuals and small businesses will probably keep taking cash. But the large stores and chains will probably stop (or have already stopped.) They have to follow their corporate edicts.

 

[Trouble]

Was just in the local China mart. Debit or credit only, no cash sales. Heard alot of folks talking about it.

 

[Walrus]

Better yet, get a few loadable debit/credit cards.
Much as everyone hates Walmart, they sell em. Most do not require a fee to load them, and you can put money on them for separate uses. One for utilities, one for gas and groceries, one for online (only) stuff.

I've used a WaddleMart card for several years for fuel purchases; when you use it at the attached Murphy's fuel station, you get a 3 cent-per-gallon discount from the posted price. Not much but it adds up over time, especially for diesel. I've always thought it odd that you couldn't get the same deal at Sam's.

 

[zeker]

I will never have a debit card.

Many years ago I had one. I used it at a retailer I had used it at before. I was about to enter my PIN when the clerk said no need it was already in their system. I used a credit card for that transaction instead. Then I immediately went to the bank and cancelled the debit card.

Another reason I won't have a debit card is because some years ago, I was robbed in Paris France (subway escalator double team front and back shove and hand into the front pocket; I shoved back and found my wallet missing a half hour later) and was able to cancel my credit card and reverse the charges. If I'd had a debit card the robbers would have gotten a lot of money and merchandise.

Gas pumps sometimes have skimmers. If a debit card is used, the skimmers will clean out your account.

NEVER OWN OR USE A DEBIT CARD. IF YOU HAVE ONE CUT IT UP AND CANCEL IT.

recently had my fone number 'ported'

bank and credit card hit for $800 each

I have learned that in order to prevent this

FREE

have your fone provider tick the box

'no porting'

it ends there

still trying to get paypal to recognise that my address is NOT montreal

my other bank

(not connected to paypal) was not affected

food for thot

 

[Cardinal]

Was just in the local China mart. Debit or credit only, no cash sales. Heard alot of folks talking about it.

Many self check machines say no cash back now...

 

[Bicycle Junkie]

I don't use cash at all except to buy occasional lottery tickets. I don't carry cash in my wallet. I keep my lotto money at home until I need it. I use lots of hand sanitizer if I handle cash. Cash is filthy.

 

[Deanne]

I'm to old for all this stuff, I can't keep up

 

[1911user]

When traveling, I carry 3 credit cards, the debit/ATM card, plus enough cash for several days worth of all expenses. ALWAYS have backup payment options. I even carry a few paper checks in my wallet.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

I carry more "shrapnel" (change) with me for exact purchases.

 

[Zahra]

Do whatever you feel safest doing.

As for me, I prefer to use a credit card to get the reward points on everything I can. About the only time I can't charge it is at Winco but I rarely shop there anyway.

 

[Texican]

We use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credit cards work nearly everywhere. There are a few places that only want cash and do not have a a credit card processing pad. I use cash when needed and can make provide the right amount when needed. So far have not seen any signs of shortage of change or not taking cash.

When one of our credit cards is used, we get a text and email. Good way to track where the DW is spending money.

Texican....

 

[Deanne]

I'd just hang onto it.

Okay thanks for the answer

 

[Grouchy Granny]

Ummmm - nope - I have a credit cart that's enough thank you.