I don’t use my credit card all that much. Usually, I rely on my debit card. The only time I use the credit card is to pay my car insurance six months in advance or for plane tickets.
Edit: Thanks for the comments and advice on using credit cards wisely.
The reason I avoid credit cards is because I’ve heard too many stories about people overspending, so I keep things simple by using credit when I truly need it.
If your score is above 780, you’re already getting the best rates available, so going above 800 really only adds peace of mind.
Ziv said:
If your score is above 780, you’re already getting the best rates available, so going above 800 really only adds peace of mind.
Would an 800 score help me get lower interest rates if I take out a loan later?
@RyanEdwards
It can definitely help, especially if you have loans like a mortgage or car loan. The length of your credit history matters too. If you’ve only had credit for a couple of years or are just an authorized user, you might find limits on what you can borrow.
@RyanEdwards
Besides your credit score, I’d actually suggest using credit cards more than debit. Here’s why:
If someone steals your debit card info, they’re directly taking your money, and banks aren’t always fast to return it. With a credit card, they’re using the credit card company’s money, so they’ll act quicker to fix any fraud.
Plus, there are rewards on credit cards like cash back or miles. For example, the Citi Double Cash card gives 2% back on every purchase. If you pay it off each month, that’s essentially free money.
@Waylon
Using debit? Consider adding it to Apple or Google Pay. They create unique tokens, making it harder for scammers to get your info. Especially helpful in places where skimming is common.
Bran said:
@Waylon
Using debit? Consider adding it to Apple or Google Pay. They create unique tokens, making it harder for scammers to get your info. Especially helpful in places where skimming is common.
A lot of gas pumps near me now have tap-to-pay. It’s reassuring after hearing so many skimming stories.
@Waylon
Exactly. Why put your bank account at risk? If you have the discipline to pay off a credit card monthly, using it instead is safer.
@Waylon
I treat my credit card like a debit card, paying it off monthly. I use my debit card only for ATM withdrawals. It just feels safer with credit cards.
@Waylon
After having my debit card info stolen, I now avoid using it. I’ve moved everything I can to credit for peace of mind and to avoid the hassle if anything goes wrong.
MissNicklaus said:
@Waylon
After having my debit card info stolen, I now avoid using it. I’ve moved everything I can to credit for peace of mind and to avoid the hassle if anything goes wrong.
Same here. I keep a small bank account just for certain things. It’s an extra layer of safety for my main funds.
@Waylon
I get that—it’s like having a little backup account for peace of mind.
Credit cards are safer than debit cards. If someone steals your credit card info, it’s not your money they’re taking, and most companies will cover fraudulent charges immediately. With a debit card, it can be your cash that’s at risk, and banks aren’t as quick to return it.
@Cypress
True! The bank protects their money a lot more aggressively than yours.
@Cypress
My friend learned this the hard way. Her debit card got hacked, and it took the bank weeks to get her money back, while my credit card issue was resolved right away. She now uses credit cards only for purchases.
@Maci
If you’re cautious about using credit cards, some offer a feature where the charges are automatically pulled from your bank account, giving the security of credit but acting like debit.
Using credit cards can make sense if you pay off the balance monthly. Credit cards protect against fraud better than debit cards, and you can earn rewards while having extra security.