Community Chat

[Sue98]

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!

[Lipstickdiva]

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.   

[beach-mom]

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@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.   

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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!  

[Fressa]

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.

[Nightowlz]

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.

[Group 5 minus 1]

DH suggests Travelers Check.

[AnotherView2]

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@ncascade wrote:

DH suggests Travelers Check.

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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.

[MyGirlsMom]

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.

[lulu2]

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.

[sunshine45]

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.