Why do so many people pay cash for gas around here?

[Mike from back east]

I charge everything I can, and pay in full each month, and get back 2% of all that I spend.

I only use the debit card for ATM withdrawals. IIRC if a thief gets your ATM card and pin they can drain your checking account, and I believe you are not protected like when a credit card is used by a thief.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I charge everything I can, and pay in full each month, and get back 2% of all that I spend.

I only use the debit card for ATM withdrawals. IIRC if a thief gets your ATM card and pin they can drain your checking account, and I believe you are not protected like when a credit card is used by a thief.

Debit cards are protected just like a credit card (they have their own rules though)


If your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, federal law limits your liability for charges made without your permission, but your protection depends on the type of card — and when you report the loss.

[jtab4994]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

... I believe you are not protected like when a credit card is used by a thief.

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

Debit cards are protected just like a credit card (they have their own rules though)

My wife's ATM card was spoofed somehow, and a $7.95 parking fee was charged to it, this past summer. Our bank called us because their algorithm told them it was a fraudulent charge, so reversed the charge and gave her a new card.

As for gasoline, I pay cash if there's a cash discount. Otherwise I use a debit card. My Discover Card only fields a nickel in bonus for every $20 spent so it's not really an incentive for gasoline purchases.

[aslowdodge]

I get my gas at Costco with their Citibank visa. Cheapest gas around, top tier quality, and another 4% off for using the card.

[SanyBelle]

Originally Posted by Willy702

Off the top of my head I can remember 6 times my card number was part of a fraud. Never lost a penny from it. Probably happened more but after the second time I just thought of the small hassle that comes from it using cards. I never use debit cards and suggest no one else do that but credit cards are good about getting your money back and getting you a new card. I used to evangelize about using credit cards for everything and paying your bill every month but I realized too many people don't have that discipline. I guess if that's the case then good for them for using cash and not ending up spending double or more for their gas when it's finally paid off

I use credit cards (I have 2, a Delta and an American Airlines card) and I pay them off every month too. The only thing I use cash for is gas because my credit card number was skimmed from a gas station a couple years ago and I'd just rather not go through that hassle again.