Do you think you spend more because of credit and debit cards?

[GeoffD]

My entire life runs through a 2% cash back credit card. I wouldn't spend any differently if I used a debit card or cash. I track things very closely.

[moneymkt]

I noticed a difference this week when I went to the supermarket to buy groceries using cash. I spent less money because I was only the cash in my wallet and not my checking account. If I used my checking account I would have spent more because it was coming from a bigger pot versus the money that was inside my wallet. So yes using debit leads to me spending more money when I go food shopping which is why I plan to use cash now.

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by moneymkt

I noticed a difference this week when I went to the supermarket to buy groceries using cash. I spent less money because I was only the cash in my wallet and not my checking account. If I used my checking account I would have spent more because it was coming from a bigger pot versus the money that was inside my wallet. So yes using debit leads to me spending more money when I go food shopping which is why I plan to use cash now.

Clearly you don't make a list to follow when you go shopping for groceries. That evens the field

[Malloric]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

Just the opposite. I never carry cash because it's just too easy to hand it over.

A cc feels worse than real money. That's because of the possibility of paying interest to the cc crooks. When you think of that, it's a disincentive to use the card.

Digging out a cc and knowing there's an interest charge if I forget to pay it off, is a deterrent to spending. I'll use the cc for groceries and gas because of the high points. I don't get many points for ordinary purchases so I try to keep purchases down. But I'd still rather use the card if I have to buy something because any points are better than using cash and getting zero points.

Autopay.

Credit card is far easier. I wouldn't say it makes me spend more though. I don't really like using credit cards for very small purchases (cup of coffee) so often times if I don't have cash I just won't get a cup of coffee.