topic Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip? in Community Chat

Need advice---Cash or Debit Card on long road trip?

Sue98 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:15:37 GMT

I'm trying to decide how much cash to take on our road trip to the west coast. I don't think it's a good idea to carry a lot of cash, but I'm concerned about being stranded if I should ever (God forbid) lose my debit card.

I don't own any other credit cards besides my debit card. Any helpful advice? Thanks!

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Lipstickdiva — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:19:22 GMT

If you have time, I'd get a credit card. It's not only a matter of you losing your debit card, your debit card could be compromised and your account wiped out. Now granted the money will be replaced but it's not always an immediate thing and if it happens on the weekend, you could really end up in a bind.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

beach-mom — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:23:26 GMT

@Lipstickdiva wrote:
If you have time, I'd get a credit card. It's not only a matter of you losing your debit card, your debit card could be compromised and your account wiped out. Now granted the money will be replaced but it's not always an immediate thing and if it happens on the weekend, you could really end up in a bind.

I second this. I don't know if you're a member of AAA or not, but I would get a preloaded card specifically designed for travel, then take a small amount of cash with you too. We usually take about $50-$100 with us, depending how far we're going. I would not use a debit card at all! Safe travels and have fun!

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Fressa — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:24:14 GMT

We just did both on the current trip. I used the cash for the room and meals. I used the debit for the gas. The credit card is my reserve for any additonal days that we have to add onto our trip with delays, etc.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Nightowlz — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:27:36 GMT

I don't know how others feel about using a debit card but I don't like using it when we are on trips. I use mine here in town where we live but that's it. Easier to get our money back if someone is using our credit card vs a debit card. I think that would be more of a hassle. We use our Visa card for hotel bills & gas & use cash for everything else. I pay the bill in full when we get it. I took $1200 cash last time we went to Fl. I always give some to DH to put in his wallet, I put a little in my purse & put the rest in different places that I feel are safe. At least if is wallet is lost or stolen we still have cash some place. I also keep the info. I need to report lost or stolen cards with me when we travel.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Group 5 minus 1 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:29:18 GMT

DH suggests Travelers Check.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

AnotherView2 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:34:15 GMT

@ncascade wrote:
DH suggests Travelers Check.

Absolutely. Travelers check spend like cash. As long as you record the serial numbers, keep track of which checks you spend, and keep the list of check numbers SEPERATE from the checks themselves, you're golden. If they get lost or stolen, you can get reimbursement. As you know, that doesn't work for cash and then you also don't have to worry about a lost or stolen credit or debit card needing replacement in a pinch.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

MyGirlsMom — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:35:25 GMT

Cash? No. Carry maybe $100.00 but use your debit card. If reported lost or stolen, your bank will cover it. If your cash is lost or stolen, you're out of luck.

A credit card is the best way to go.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

lulu2 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:39:03 GMT

As others have said, get a credit card. I would never consider traveling without one.

I've never used Traveler's Checks in the US but I know in Europe, very few places take them. We had to cash them at a bank or an Am Ex office.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

sunshine45 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:41:02 GMT

i like having a combination of cash, my debit card, AND a credit card or two, and possibly even a few of my personal checks.. i would not feel comfortable traveling with less than $1000 in cash, especially if it was a long road trip.

travelers checks are okay, but i have found not a lot of stores will accept them anymore.....and some people dont even know what they are or how to process them.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Nataliesgramma — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:45:26 GMT

Be sure to let you bank know the dates that you will be traveling so they know a purchase made in another state is you using the card and not fraud....

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Karie2022 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:50:09 GMT

Leave the debit cards home...my number got stolen and it's not easy to get the money back, in fact Visa wasn't even going to reimburse me, my bank did, but it was a real hassle...like most here have said cash and a major credit card.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

Karie2022 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:52:57 GMT

The other idea is to buy some visa/MasterCard gift cards....

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

millieshops — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:03:20 GMT

Add me to the list of those recommending a credit card for travel instead of cash or a debit card. If you must use debit, get a new bank account for it with only money you can afford to lose in that account. That's actually the only way I'd ever use debitl I'd never use it for my main account.

Does anyone really use Travelers checks any longer? I can't even remember the last time I saw one.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

riley1 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:11:00 GMT

i would say between $500-1000. Depending on where we are going, we always take some cash for tips, etc. I keep some in my wallet, button pockets and husband carries some as well. I only take one credit card husband takes one too. We usually take travelers checks which can be cashed at the hotels front desk or concierge desk or any bank (in U.S. I know). But as someone suggested, keep copies if everything. Get a credit card for sure it's easier to keep track of things. Have fun

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

tansy — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:15:09 GMT

We go up and down the west coast at least once a year. We typically carry $150 each in cash and use the CC for everything else. It's easier to pay for small purchases with cash.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

LilacTree — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:17:09 GMT

@millieshops wrote:
Add me to the list of those recommending a credit card for travel instead of cash or a debit card. If you must use debit, get a new bank account for it with only money you can afford to lose in that account. That's actually the only way I'd ever use debitl I'd never use it for my main account.

Does anyone really use Travelers checks any longer? I can't even remember the last time I saw one.

GREAT IDEA!!

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

brii — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:19:15 GMT

We travel with a CC, debit card, and cash. I also take a couple checks. I've never used one, but it's for "just in case."

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debi Card on long road trip?

VaBelle35 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:25:13 GMT

I normally don't carry cash on me when I travel for work as they are usually 1-2 night trips.

On my trip a few weeks ago, I was gone for 6 nights, so I took $100 with me. I'm glad I did because I needed to tip cash a lot as I was out and about and not sitting down to formal meals. For example, my breakfast came with the hotel room, so I needed to leave a cash tip as there was no credit card voucher to add a tip to. Same for housekeeping every day (as you don't get the same employee every day of your stay). Then I had car trouble at the airport when I got home and needed tips for various transactions that were also free.

You can always take $20 out every day of your trip if you find you're needing cash. There are ATM machines everywhere now plus you can do cash back at many places when you check out. It might feel more secure that way (and the fees, if any, may be worth it to you for peace of mind).

I also agree that a credit card for travel is a necessity for large ticket problems that may crop up unexpectedly when you are so far from home. Most Debit Cards have a daily limit on them. Credit Cards do not.

Re: Need advice---Cash or Debit Card on long road trip?

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:39:15 GMT

@Sue98 wrote:
I'm trying to decide how much cash to take on our road trip to the west coast. I don't think it's a good idea to carry a lot of cash, but I'm concerned about being stranded if I should ever (God forbid) lose my debit card.

I don't own any other credit cards besides my debit card. Any helpful advice? Thanks!

First of all, a debit card is NOT a credit card. Not having at least one credit card is a real disaster waiting to happen .... you should have one, at least, even if you keep it in the freezer most of the time!

Secondly, the suggestion to buy (American Express) Travelers Checks is a good one.

If your problem with not having a credit card is bad credit, you can still get a SECURED credit card which means you have paid a "down payment" to get the card.

You don't mention when the trip is, but if you have the time, get a credit card IMMEDIATELY.

Also, whatever cash you take, don't have it all in one place .... some in your wallet, some in the wallet of whomever you are travelling with, and elsewhere ..... a money belt or plastic envelope you wear on your person, in an envelope at the bottom of your glove compartment ..... so is a wallet if stolen (pick pockets) there is still cash in another place.

Great reminder to notify your bank that you are taking a trip .... so they don't put a hold on your card as a security precaution.