Community Chat

[wilma]

There are a few places in our mid sized city that are charging a fee to pay with a credit card. We always write a check or pay cash for those services. 

ETA: We've never had a check compromised. We use gel pens for checks which prevent check washing. We had a credit card number stolen twice and used for purchases by thieves. We don't use debit cards.

[chrystaltree]

Most places here don't accept personal checks.  Stores, beauty salons, dry cleaners pretty much no one accepts personal checks and no one uses them.  Debit cards have replaced checks.  I write about 5 checks a year.   I have never heard of charging more for using a credit or debit card.  Probably because customers would just leave because most people don't walk around with cash now.  

[Beacon girl]

I haven’t carried my checkbook for years in my purse. I do have one tucked away in my wallet as my Aunt taught. Of course , she never had a cc and always had cash and a check. I often wonder what she would think about today’s spending. She grew up in the Depression and s very smart lady. .I miss her!

[TheMemphisVette]

yes i have encountered a cost to use CC 

examples:

DMV

Car dealership for service

[On It]

Our dentist office adds a surcharge for using a credit or debit card. They prefer cash or check. Fees charged by processors result in a large amount of money being lost by a business. I agree the user of the cards should pay, not the business.

[haddon9]

I don't think I have ever carried a checkbook in my purse.  I prefer CC or cash.

 I got my hair done today and I knew what it was going to cost so I paid in cash and made sure I had it.  My stylist also will charge an extra 3% (like so many now) for the use of a CC.

[50Mickey]

I was at the ophthalmologist last week. There was a sign up that they are paperless. They only accept debit or credit cards but there is no fee added on for this. Last year we were visiting my daughter in Chicago. While out one night we stopped at a small market to purchase a few items. The clerk told me that they do not accept cash only credit cards. I assumed this was to hold own the possibility of theft. 

[NicksmomESQ]

 Most vendors around here charge a fee for credit card payments. However,If they don't accept cash they won't charge the fee.

 Whenever we go to a New York Mets game at Citifield we can no longer pay cash for parking ,hot dogs or drinks.They only accept credit cards.

[2sisters]

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@BlueFinch wrote:

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@gidgetgh wrote:

I use everything. I always carry cash.  Always.  I write checks for some bills.  I pay some bills online with a credit card so I can get the points.  I think there is merit to all of it.  Multiple choices. 

I'm not the least bit concerned with cash being contaminated.  Germs are everywhere.  On every surface.

I have stamps because I mail things.  That seems to shock some people. It's really not a big deal.

I stopped using my debit card many years ago,  I have one, but I don't use it.  I get along great not using it.

To try to protect my checks as much as possible, I use the Uniball gel pen that supposedly makes it harder for checks to be washed or altered.  I have been fortunate so far with no issues.

I think there is room in our lives for everything. 

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@gidgetgh When reading your post, it's almost word for word what I do. Glad to know I'm not alone in 'multiple' choices, too.

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Count me in as well.  LOVE the Uniball gel pens!

[SilleeMee]

Not too long ago I had to get my roof replaced. When it came time to fork over the payment, I handed the contractor my credit card and he said there would be a 15% processing fee added to my payment. That's a chunk when you're dealing with multi-thousands.  So I told him my check is on the way instead.