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Everyday expenses on credit card

nrvna76

nrvna76

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Aug 4, 2010
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Do a lot of people utilize a credit card for everyday expenses in order to get the cash back? If so, which card and is it worth it in the end?

Now that I have a family of 5 and manage the finances I am finding my credit unions app for our debit card pretty bare bones and hard to track where our money is going, also, cash back and Apple Pay would be nice features.
 
I put everything I can onto my AmEx card, pay it off every two weeks, and use the points I accrue to book free flights.
 
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nrvna76 said:
Do a lot of people utilize a credit card for everyday expenses in order to get the cash back? If so, which card and is it worth it in the end?
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Like @Europa13 I use AmEx (Cash Preferred) but pay it via it’s autopay function. The only time I don’t use it are for bills that require bank transfers.

Yes, it is worth it to me. I don’t travel much so chose the cash back card: 6% at the market; 6% on streaming subscriptions; 3% fuel, taxi (rideshare), and parking; 1% everything else. I apply it back to the statement.
 
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nrvna76 said:
Do a lot of people utilize a credit card for everyday expenses in order to get the cash back? If so, which card and is it worth it in the end?

Now that I have a family of 5 and manage the finances I am finding my credit unions app for our debit card pretty bare bones and hard to track where our money is going, also, cash back and Apple Pay would be nice features.
Click to expand...
The best for no fuss and no hassle is Citi 2x Cash Back. We put everything on there, pay off in full every month, and save up the cash back for Xmas or family vacations. (FYI, if you pay off early, you don’t get the 2x cash back).

There are other cash back cards that give more (3%-5%) on various rotating categories, but they frequently require users to login and register those categories every month (or it may be a category that you never make purchases from). Also, this card has no annual fee.

YMMV.
 
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I generally use my credit card like a debit card, as in I pay off the balance after it appears for the most part. There really is no point in using a debit card other than to get cash at an ATM since you don’t get any benefits or any real protection.
 
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Yea, the Blue cash preferred Amex has 6% back in groceries. That alone would get to $360. There is a $95 yearly fee but that %6 is applicable to groceries and streaming services, %3 for gas and transit will easily cover the fee.

Honestly, never crossed my mind to use a credit card like a debit card (paid off regularly) just to get the rewards. Seems like it will add some convenience as well and help me track our spending a little better. Thanks for the input!
 
nrvna76 said:
Yea, the Blue cash preferred Amex has 6% back in groceries. That alone would get to $360. There is a $95 yearly fee but that %6 is applicable to groceries and streaming services, %3 for gas and transit will easily cover the fee.

Honestly, never crossed my mind to use a credit card like a debit card (paid off regularly) just to get the rewards. Seems like it will add some convenience as well and help me track our spending a little better. Thanks for the input!
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I recover Blue’s annual fee in roughly 40 days.

I failed to mention I use Amazon Prime Card (5%) for all Prime purchases which is substantial. Buy Prime stock. 😔
 
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Nope. Use cash or my debit card. I have a Discover for the odd time that debit doesn't work or I'm over the debit transaction limit ($2k). The less I use it, the better. Besides, I would rather spend my time on my work and investments earning $ than jumping through hoops getting ¢.
 
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I don't ever use my debit card, except in the rare event I need to use an ATM for cash. Credit cards not only earn you cashback or miles, but you have more legal protection in the event of fraud, too.
 
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ejb190 said:
Nope. Use cash or my debit card. I have a Discover for the odd time that debit doesn't work or I'm over the debit transaction limit ($2k). The less I use it, the better. Besides, I would rather spend my time on my work and investments earning $ than jumping through hoops getting ¢.
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Well. In my case, being able to use Apple Pay, keep better track of our spending, and have better fraud protection are good reasons before getting the cash back. Wouldn’t seem like jumping through hoops at all...
 
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ejb190 said:
Nope. Use cash or my debit card. I have a Discover for the odd time that debit doesn't work or I'm over the debit transaction limit ($2k). The less I use it, the better. Besides, I would rather spend my time on my work and investments earning $ than jumping through hoops getting ¢.
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Get a cash back card. The only hoop you have to jump through is paying it, although auto pay is a thing.
 
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LizKat said:
Did you just admit that your little dogs run up the tab in Amazon's gourmet foods?
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Lol, I had to block them because they’re so irresponsible. They have their own Prime account now and if it goes to recovery it’s their problem. 😤
 
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It's worth it if you pay off the balance every pay period. Not worth it if you carry a balance, because whatever cash back you might get is offset by the interest you have to pay.

I use my card for auto pay bills, because it's a pain the derriere to write a dozen check and mail them out every month. As I get older I'm beginning to have more and more grey hair moments, so a dozen less things to have to keep track of makes life less stressful.
 
We use it for everything possible but you have to make sure to pay the previous months statement balance or you'll get charged interest. We have the cards setup to automatically apply the cash back to the balance and autopay the previous statement balance from a high yield savings account so I don't even have to think about it. We end up with an extra $100-$200 a month doing this.
 
I try putting everything i purchase any time on a CC. I hate carrying cash.
 
Everything goes on 1 credit card that gets paid off every 2 weeks. I accumulate enough cash back each month to pay my internet bill. Typically $60-70/month.
 
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