For Cash Only people

[momxx5]

How do you handle situations that require a credit/debit card?

We have been cash only for over a year, however there are times when a credit card is needed to purchase something....especially excellent clearance sales, etc.

So, how do you do it?

Another question......how do you load money on to a PayPal Visa card without using a bank account. DH is so nervous to link bank accounts to PayPal.

 

[LegoMom3]

We are "cash only" but by that I mean we don't buy anything on credit. We do have a check card through our bank that has the MasterCard logo on it, so it's accepted just like a credit card where needed (assuming, of course, that we have the money in the bank!). I know there are people who function without one, but I just find it very difficult these days to not have that.

As far as PayPal, they are a very secure company and I'm not sure you can use them without some sort of linked account. More and more companies are letting you use them to check out for on-line purchases precisely because it IS so secure (the merchant never sees your bank/card info).

.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Another strategy........maintain multiple bank accounts.

Open up a second account and put some seed money in it with intention of using that to transfer funds to PayPal. That way your "main" account is isoalted from the whole PayPal thing.

Is there a credit union you could join? (since you already have a "bank" account)

 

[C.Ann]

I have several bank accounts - with debit cards for each.. One account is for online purchases only (in case of hackers).. I have a separate one for travel - and one for my normal bills.. They all have no fee debit cards and excellent customer service when it comes to hackers or other issues because they are small local banks - not national chain institutions..

When I was still selling and buying on eBay, I had numerous problems with Paypal - so that would not be my first choice.. (And from what I have heard and read here, since eBay and Paypal became partners in crime, the issues have escalated..) I would simply open a bank account for the sole purpose of obtaining a debit card and keep a limited amount of money in it for the type of purchases you need it for.. Much more secure - and easier to deal with a local bank than trying to load money into a Paypal account..

As a last resort, you could pre-pay a credit card - which is bascially the same as a debit card - if I understand correctly.. I don't know how or where you do that though..

Other than those choices, if I had money to load a Paypal card, I would simply be paying cash instead - so I guess I'm confused on that part..

I'm a "cash only" person - be it by debit card or cold, hard cash right in my hand.. If I don't have the cash to buy something, I simply don't purchase it..

Those are the only options I can think of.. If you're DH is reluctant to use Paypal (can't say I blame him personally), the obvious (and easiest) option is to get a debit card from one of your local banks..

Good luck!

 

[princesspeach]

Why not just use credit card and pay it off every month. I don't carry a debit card. Too dangerous in my opinion and why hassle with multiple bank accounts. Its easy to keep track of a credit card. You can check your balance everyday just like your bank account. I use AX it has to be paid off every month so no temptation to overspend and it has good rewards. I have never understood the credit card fear on these boards.

 

[Dismom55]

We have been a cash only family for 38 yrs. That is until our last trip to Disney. Several months prior to our trip, I took the money I was saving for the rental car and a little more, went to the bank and opened a secured credit card account. We do have the ATM card for everyday purchases thru the same bank.

Here are my reasons for doing the secured cc.

1 - so much easier to rent the car
2 - I picked my account limit based on what I opened the secured savings acct with
3- if anything financially happens and the cc becomes a burden, I simply go to the bank have them withdraw the secured funds, pay off the cc and close the card, I then have the option of leaving remainder of funds in savings or transfer to other account.

We do NOT like cc's, we only use the cc for renting a car (our cars are old and not long trip worthy) and pay it off ASAP. I save the money ahead of time for cost of rental, then I have ready funds to pay off the cc just as soon as the charge hits the account.

4 - Last reason for getting cc. Since we do not have cc's this has boosted our credit rating as we now show good faith payment.

I hope some of this is what you were asking.

 

[snowywhite89]

How do you handle situations that require a credit/debit card?

We have been cash only for over a year, however there are times when a credit card is needed to purchase something....especially excellent clearance sales, etc.

So, how do you do it?

Another question......how do you load money on to a PayPal Visa card without using a bank account. DH is so nervous to link bank accounts to PayPal.

You asked this same question just two weeks ago.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2618622

Did you not get enough put on back then?