Debit Cards, CC, your ID

[-]

I_defend_witches@reddit

I try to use cash as much as possible and do not put any cards on my apple wallet. My CC HSA Debt are actually cards kept separately in a wallet that can be hacked.

[-]

I don't even have a debit card anymore. They canceled for lack of use and I would never use my debit card for anything other then getting cash from an ATM. If I use my CC and it gets compromised I still have my money and the bank has to deal with the fraud. Buy something with a debit card and it immediately gets debited from your account and any fraud is like pulling teeth to get the money back in there. Also with a CC I can dispute charges and disputed charges don't gain interest or require payment until the dispute is worked out.

[-]

leaping_lions@reddit

My spouse got into an accident. They were in the hospital for 21 hours and the phone battery drained because it turns out you didn’t go on a bike ride with a charging cable or cube. The hospital required his ID and health insurance card. Additionally, the ambulance required $200 in cash before they’d leave him at the ER. Thank goodness the wallet stayed in his pocket. His friend retrieved his phone from the side of the road.

[-]

HLLAuntClaire@reddit

Don’t lose or break your phone. That’s just crazy to me

[-]

leaping_lions@reddit

Found a young woman freaking out at a train kiosk in SFO a few weeks ago. She left Canada without any physical cards and the machine didn’t recognize anything else besides a card or cash. (Which she also did not bring.) She needed to get to San Jose.

Phones batteries die. Screens get busted. Phones get stolen. Phones die. Service can be lost. So many scenarios I won’t even name. Someone did this young person a disservice.

Ok_Still_3571@reddit

I check the account about once per week. Back then (maybe 15 years ago), I was far more trusting, and reviewed the account about three times per month. Mind you, there wasn’t the same online monitoring then as there is now.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I worked in banking for a long time and have seen it all.

I find this all so fascinating. If something can be used and stolen it’s going to be used and stolen no matter what it is…an online account, bank account, credit card, check.

But if your wallet is stolen, everything is gone all at once and you physically have to do something with all your cards, get a new idea, etc.

Just for conversation. That seems like a way bigger nuisance than not having a way to pay for something. And that can be easily rectified.

I think I must shop different than most people too. I’m rarely using an in-store point of sale.

[-]

tultommy@reddit

Why are all of your comments trying to combat what other people do? You seem to have some need to convince people that your way is the correct way... I use apps but also carry my cards and ID. You never know when someone won't accept tap 2 pay (lots of places still don't), or end up at a store where it's not working at the moment. You can lose your phone a lot more easily than you will a wallet in your pocket. And it's just as annoying when you lose phone. Plus there are lots of states and lots of businesses where a digital ID is not accepted. Sounds like you live in a place where that is less of a problem.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Says the one who says something “combatful” in an anonymous platform such as Reddit. I’ve said several many times that I really find it interesting.

You get all up in my own business. Lol just like someone who loses their phone easily.

I also don’t live in a world that losing a phone is easier than losing a wallet or purse. I find it very interesting that people have all these times where digital pay is not accepted. I find that fascinating because it’s 2026 and that is just not my reality.

Or that people still use cash on the regular. And that people write checks is insane sounding to me. I just don’t see any reason ever to write a check. And I haven’t had someone try to pay me for something with a paper check. In forever.

So I ask for more detail.

Sorry you don’t like it. Damn.

[-]

tultommy@reddit

Asking you about what your motivations are as you try and tell everyone they are wrong isn't being combative. I'm also not sure how using the information you provided to form a response to you is "getting all up in your business."

it’s 2026 and that is just not my reality

I think this is actually the point you're missing. It's not your reality. My entire point was that you fail to see that your opinion is based on your own experience, but you fail to realize that most people are not going to have the same experience as you. As I said you clearly live in an area where digital payments and digital ID's are considered acceptable. As you can see from the plethora of other comments that you try to belittle for doing things in a different way than you, that it's not the experience for most people. It's disingenuous at best to pretend like you never find a business that doesn't have tap to pay considering the largest retailer in the world doesn't use it. Also if you find it harder to lose your phone than your purse or a wallet in your pocket that really just sounds like a you issue. The difference in what you are saying versus what I am saying, is that I'm simply acknowledging that there is more than one correct way, and you are simply laughing at people for being old fashioned and that you can't believe they would dare to do things they way they've done them their entire lives. It comes across as condescending and just kind of informs people on the kind of person you are.

CalOkie6250@reddit

But your phone isn’t truly unlocked while using Apple wallet. Only the items visible in your wallet are unlocked. The rest of your phone is still locked, and if the person backs out of Apple wallet, you have to scan your face to get back into it.

[-]

cl8855@reddit

at least with boarding pass you can print one at the airport

[-]

ambientdiscord@reddit

Not with United. You can, but you have to ask for one and it’s a pain in the butt.

[-]

Magerimoje@reddit

And don't tell me you only have that on a phone that you will hand to someone unlocked if you get a ticket or in an accident.

Right?! Oh, here officer, have my entire unlocked phone that'll give you access to absolutely everything! Hell fucking NO

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

What’s on your phone that police would be interested in? Lol

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

There are states that accept digital IDs. Even if you get pulled over. Mine is one. Not all though.

You remind me of the Progressive commercials.

I don’t think I’ve printed anything in a long time.

[-]

MountainRoll29@reddit

Once in awhile a merchant doesn’t have a functioning tap to pay machine so I still carry physical cards and a little cash.

[-]

No_Act_2773@reddit

no. apple pay. has all cc's, dc on it.

also phone has the loyalty card apps.

I do have a wallet, but rarely bother with it, unless I am going somewhere and not wearing the apple watch.

as I am UK, we have no requirement to carry id, or driving license.

[-]

posaune123@reddit

I always carry a credit card, the cash back and points start to add up.

Both of my teenagers got cash from the grandparents this weekend. And immediately gave it to me to transfer to Venmo.

Interesting. I really mean that. These answers are so crazy. How different. I would think it would be more like 50/50 not this 95/5 thing going on.

And yes…it sounds old man ish or woman-ish.

[-]

Arkhamina@reddit

I am training a 21 year old at work, we have a good rapport, and it is crazy how culturally different we are. She barely knows cursive (yes, we need to read it as government clerks!) and has never written a check outside of 1 class. I had to help her address an envelope. On the other hand, she has been typing since she was 4. She's better at troubleshooting our shitty lowest bidder software.

[-]

AlmiranteCrujido@reddit

Do you live somewhere you can use your mobile ID as a drivers' license? I thought it was only good for TSA, so I have to carry my license if I'm driving.

I carry two credit cards, an ATM card that is not enabled for debit, my gym membership card, and my drivers license. I use the credit cards daily; I don't use a mobile wallet.

I generally have between $40-60 in cash for emergencies, but really only use it for small amount purchases at the farmer's market every couple of weeks.

I haven't used Venmo since I started working from home, and just had the same $20 that I'd send someone for my share of lunch and then get back the next time I was the one to "lunch-ATM" when that same guy wasn't the one putting it on his card - I never even connected a bank account to it.

Never regularly carried a checkbook; for years, the only checks I've written are to my dentist - usually just once a year for a cleaning although I think this year I've got a filling coming :(

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Yes. My state accepts digital ids. At bars, cops, anywhere I go so far.

I’m surprised by these answers.

I pay almost everything by Venmo.

[-]

AlmiranteCrujido@reddit

Venmo has zero consumer protections; I was never willing to give them my bank account. It was OK for paying for lunch back when we were all in office.

Not sure how you'd use it at the supermarket. I could use a mobile wallet (I'm on Android, so it'd be Google's but for the Apple folks, Apple Pay is the same) to not carry a credit card, but it's still going to just charge back to the card. Not sure what I'd gain indirecting that through Venmo.

You're still getting carded in bars? I get asked if I want the senior discount :D

[-]

Round_Ad8947@reddit

I ditched the wallet for a Hartford Gear card bag. One card for point of sale (can scan without removing, two cards don’t work) some cash, ID, insurance card and my DNR medical directive with the phone number of my lawyer.

At this age, I’m thinking more about making it easier if I keel over.

[-]

Genny415@reddit

I have tried my best to opt out of data tracking as much as practically and reasonably possible

Therefore I don't use a digital wallet at all and pay for everything with a physical card except for a couple of things that I pay with Zelle.

And there's even a couple of things (like quarterly pest control, other home services) that I still write physical cheques for. The providers like them because they can digitally deposit them remotely without paying processing fees.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

But…the same information is on your card if you use it on your phone or not.

[-]

Genny415@reddit

But if I use my physical card, my transaction details aren't being also sent to Apple or Google or whomever is running whichever digital wallet you are using. And then consolidated with the rest of the data that they also try to collect, then used for whatever purposes suit their profit-based interests.

Are you paying a service fee for using the digital wallet? Oh no, it's free? Do you have to watch an ad to make your payment go through? No? Then you and your data are the product. That's how it works.

If you choose to trade your privacy for convenience, that is your choice. I am choosing differently. It's still leaky and very far from perfect but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up and just hand everything over.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Yeah. You’re right. No data is being accessed by using your card. lol

What data are you worried about? That you bought a chain saw at Home Depot? Because everyone (card company, Home Depot, the chainsaw company) knows that. That you go to the grocery 1x a week? They know that too.

Not an argument at all but I mean, your data is being collected while you are just sitting in your living room.

What is it you’re afraid of that is going to happen to that/with that data?

[-]

I mean, it’s not that serious. Lol

[-]

Expensive-Vanilla-16@reddit

I carry cash and my discover card. Only digital currency I have is PayPal for online payments because I don't want to use my credit card online. I still write checks too. Just bought a car with a check last month.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

These answers are wild!

Why don’t you want to use your CC online? You get the same protection and rewards for your CC no matter how you use it.

You write a paper check and it’s just floating around for anyone to see your routing number and account number which can be used just like a credit card.

[-]

CalOkie6250@reddit

I’m a bit surprised by these answers as well. I always thought GenX was more tech savvy. I would expect answers like this from our parents.

[-]

Justdonedil@reddit

I write 2 checks a month now. It was 1.

The space rent for our modular, which includes all utilities. I've been trying for years to get them to switch to some kind of digital service.

And now, the "principle only" payment for my husband's year old truck. If we had a checking account with this bank, I could do it as a transfer, but we don't. They have it set that any payment over the monthly that isn't specifically marked as principle gets put into pay ahead status instead, and that defeats the purpose of paying extra.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Right?! My mom, in her early seventies, gets confused by the tap thing and prefers to swipe. Lol Cute.

But that might not have anything to do with her age.

[-]

WimpyZombie@reddit

I always carry my ID, credit card and debit card. Don't remember the last time I carried any cash - although there have been a few times where I wish I was carry a little.

Discovered this year that the Girl Scouts selling cookies outside the supermarket now take plastic....that wasn't good. That was the one thing that kept me safe from those evil little temptresses. It was so easy to just say "oh...I don't have any cash right now, maybe another time". They finally got me this year, and it wasn't a pretty sight.

Evil they are....completely evil.

[-]

Justdonedil@reddit

Even the parking lot fruit vendors take venmo.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Yes!!! I used the same excuse “no cash”

My daughter was in GS several years ago and we used plastic at the grocery store sales by getting a Square pay device. Our sales rocked!!!

[-]

groundhogcow@reddit

I had to ban using the bank card when card skimmers became a common thing.

We now only buy with the credit cards, because if they get stolen, I can just not pay them. If the bank account gets drained I have to fight for the money back.

I don't use the million different payment apps. I keep fairly tight controls on who has access to money.

I carry a wallet. I have credit cards and ID in it. Also cash. The amish around me don't take venmo and I want home made cookies!!!

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

So funny. There’s an Amish community around me and they all accept card payments. All carry a phone and Square payment device.

I thought they wouldn’t use phones but it’s a “necessity” in their businesses.

[-]

groundhogcow@reddit

They do carry them for doing business with us.

Example: Yesterday, I needed 4 1/4-20 bolts & 4 1/20 nuts to fix the handle on my lawnmower.

Option 1: Locally owned Hardware store, 9 minute drive, with a 4% charge on card use, or cash with no surcharge.

Option 2: Drive to Lowes - a 27 minute drive, one way. Card works there, no surcharge.

Another example:
I need gas in the car (and this is commonplace everywhere around here, not just locally):

Option 1: Pay an additional 0.10 per gallon to use a card.
Option 2: Don't pay an additional 0.10 per gallon by paying with cash.

The majority of locally-owned food places have a 4-5% upcharge for card use, or a "cash discount." I get it. These places have one location, it's the owner's sole source of income, and they don't have the ability to absorb the fees that are charged to accept cards. They don't have the volume and negotiating power that Taco bell does to lower their fees.

Retail Price	Dip Fee	Card Fee	Transaction Cost	Transaction Card Load	Net Receipt
5	0.15	0.13	0.28	5.6%	4.72
6	0.15	0.156	0.306	5.1%	5.694
7	0.15	0.182	0.332	4.7%	6.668
8	0.15	0.208	0.358	4.5%	7.642
9	0.15	0.234	0.384	4.3%	8.616
10	0.15	0.26	0.41	4.1%	9.59
15	0.15	0.39	0.54	3.6%	14.46
20	0.15	0.52	0.67	3.4%	19.33
30	0.15	0.78	0.93	3.1%	29.07
40	0.15	1.04	1.19	3.0%	38.81
50	0.15	1.3	1.45	2.9%	48.55

[-]

LivingGhost371@reddit

So, I pay the 4% surcharge. No big deal. Worth it to get that bolt without having to either drive to Lowes or deal with cash. .,

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

This is really strange. I’m in small rural towns often in a small rural state and I’ve never experienced this. Interesting.

I’ve had way more times that cash isn’t accepted than cards. Even though it’s legal tender…but I’m not going to make a deal about it.

[-]

HiOscillation@reddit

I think that it may be that the small businesses are being crushed by a lot of things such as rent, and the 7 to 8% net cost of a credit card transaction is just another slice they can't afford. I know the guy who owns the hardware store and he told me that he typically made $0 profit on sales under $10, now, with him pushing the cost of the credit card processing to the customer, he makes about 4%. You can't pay yourself a reasonable salary inclusive of your own health care expenses on a 4% profit margin from a single-location store that grosses under 1 million a year and has 3 part-time employees. He's constantly on the verge of closing. The surcharge decision made a lot of customers angry.

Here is some potentially interesting info for you:

"In Philadelphia, roughly a quarter of the population is “underbanked” or “unbanked,” according to the city’s Prosperity Now Scorecard, meaning they have little to no relationship with a financial institution, making cash a main form of payment for them." (Source)

From this November 2025 article https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/ufcw-applauds-new-yorks-ban-on-cashless-stores/

"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), America’s largest private sector union representing 1.2 million workers in meatpacking, food processing, grocery, retail, and other essential industries across North America, celebrated the passage of Assembly Bill A7929A in New York, which bans grocery stores and other retail outlets from refusing cash payments. The state of New York now joins New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia in banning cashless stores. "

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I spent most of my career in banking. Specifically in overdrafts and the unbanked.

The unbanked still use cards. Not debit or CC. But there is a whole big entire (very profitable) world of prepaid cards that are utilized by those that don’t have bank/credit accounts.

A lot of unbanked are unbanked because of previous credit issues. So they had accounts at one time but will no longer qualify.

[-]

I have just one purse, that forever hangs next to the front door…just in case I ever find myself in need of it, I know where it is. I do not carry my wallet anymore either, it stays in the glove box of my car. I keep my main debit card in the cubby next to the shifter in my car, for the few places that don’t accept Apple Pay. Otherwise, everything is on my phone. The freedom is exhilarating!

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I love this! I have a “purse bowl” that sits on my counter. I saw it on Tik Tok. Lol Everything that used to be in my purse.

The older I get the more purses annoy me. I love not having one on the regular.

[-]

tunaman808@reddit

Yes, I do. For one thing, my state doesn't do digital licenses yet (they've been "working on it" for... 6 years now?) Regardless, it'll be a cold day in hell before I hand my unlocked phone to a cop.

Also, I do most of my shopping at my town's "nice Walmart", which famously doesn't do tap-to-pay with Google OR Apple. So I have to use a card there.

I otherwise use tap-to-pay just about everywhere else.

I go to a lot of concerts, and I use a tiny binder clip to carry my license, a spare credit card just in case (my primary card is Amex, which I use for tap-to-pay, and while 99% of places take it these days, some don't). I also keep my hotel room key in the binder, if I'm traveling.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Thanks for that. I get everything you are saying though my experiences are so different. Crazy how we can be so close but so far away, if you know.

[-]

Other than the very practical reasons stated by others, this is one that people don't seem to consider when taking their finances completely digital. While a complete failure of the worldwide network might seem unlikely it's very common for devices to lose charge, get lost or broken, and/or get stolen. I know I wouldn't want to be in a scenario where I was suddenly without any form of ID or payment. F that noise and call me a Luddite.

[-]

Mindless-Amount-5966@reddit

Apple Pay doesn’t support my state ID yet, so I carry a ridge wallet with my ID and a few cards. I would go full digital if I didn’t need to carry my ID.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I love it. My husband lost his physical ID one night out and someone attempted to use it to open several loan accounts. You can’t really “close” an ID. But the barcodes are super helpful when people use them.

No idea what else they might have done with that ID.

[-]

Steakonanopenfire@reddit

[-]

Atlanta_Q_Ball@reddit

They can't do anything with it. They don't have the equipment to read a digital drivers license in your phone. This could result in a citation for not having your driver's license on you.

For Georgia, obviously varies based on your State, your digital license is acceptable for traffic stops but law enforcement may not have the necessary equipment to read the license until July 2027. DMV still states that drivers are required to carry their physical license.

https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/new-georgia-law-lets-drivers-use-digital-ids-during-traffic-stops/93-6ad8e6a4-a312-4b77-aed8-c9b641bae77b

https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/ga-digital-id/ga-digital-drivers-license-and-id

djsmurphy@reddit

Electrictonic wallet not working, banking system down, computer systems just not talking to each other, fraud on card necessitating shut down and replacement, merchant doesn't accept credit cards, late payment put a hold on the card, over limit, the bank closed the card and you were unaware ( those last three are usually for people who don't manage credit well but you never know)

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I mean, all of that can happen if you just have a physical card.

[-]

djsmurphy@reddit

That's why I have the electronic wallet with all cards, two different physical backups, and cash, even if I'm just going up to the corner store. You never know. I spoke to so many people on long trips who only had one card and that card had a problem.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I guess 90% of the time I’m not far from home. I figure if I don’t have a way to pay for it, I don’t need it. Or if I do I’ll just try again later.

I haven’t had any problems traveling personally but could see that might be an issue. Especially according to these answers.

[-]

djsmurphy@reddit

I talked to a woman once who was two weeks into a seven month cruise and we had her to close her card for fraud. It was the only card she took with her! Frickin nightmare, but I found her a solution in the end. I've got that one in my pocket for the next job interview where they ask "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer"

[-]

That's weird. I have a physical Costco card that I rarely carry because my membership details/barcode are on my branded Costco card. That's all I use there.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I don’t even get a card anymore.

But I guess you’re talking about a cosco branded CC and I’m speaking of the membership card. That is probably different.

[-]

Ineffable7980x@reddit

I still use physical cards. I'll use Google Pay sometimes (yes, I'm an Android guy). I only use Venmo/Cash App to send money to friends/family. I've never used it to pay for something.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

So interesting. There are several services that prefer Venmo. I guess they would take a check or cash but since I never have that on hand I haven’t tried.

Just got my dishwasher fixed and the appliance guy had his OMR code ready to pay by Venmo.

[-]

Apprehensive-Log8333@reddit

Not only do I use physical cards, I just recently figured out how to tap my card

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Yeah!!!

[-]

I will go one step further, I prefer cash. But otherwise I still use cards.

I still use physical cards only because I’ve never really took the time to know who uses apple pay. Since I haven’t done that, the cards are still in my wallet and habit takes over.

NashvilleUnicorn@reddit

When you get hacked through your phone, then they have access to all of your accounts instead of just one. That's why I still carry cards.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Or when you lose your wallet. Or it’s stolen.

I don’t think anyone needs your phone to get your personal information.

[-]

ratmash@reddit

You are right to point out that nothing is without risk. However, I don't like the idea of having all my eggs in one basket. By doing everything with your phone you create a single point of failure. I HAVE had phones spontaneously die on me with no warning. I don't like the idea of being completely stranded if (or more like WHEN) that happens.

[-]

Novel_Willingness721@reddit

I feel the same way, and this also feels regional/geographical/cultural. I use a physical card or cash, and most of the people I know do as well. I forget that Google pay, etc exists until the off chance I see someone using it.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

I guess so. I’m in the middle of the middle of the US. Not a crazy city or anything. My in-laws still use cash sometimes but they also use Venmo, Apple Pay easily. They are in their 80s.

Everyone my age that I know about how they spend money uses apps or digital wallets. Never have cash.

[-]

SushiGirlRC@reddit

I'm the same way, bur not in IT lol.

[-]

7eregrine@reddit

I've been in IT longer than that guy. We are not the same.
I do carry cards but have Wallet and Pay apps and my house is smart AF.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Right?!?!

It’s 2026 and people think your phone is a private vessel of information that can only be accessed by you.

I swear I remember back in 1998 a friend of mine would not use her debit card because it was tied to her bank account. Lol

[-]

Magerimoje@reddit

I got a new phone, and can't figure out how to reconnect with the 1 single "smart" thing in my house - a lightbulb. One fucking lightbulb 😂

Yes. But one time someone had to get a supervisor. I didn’t ask for one they just didn’t know.

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

lol. Right. Almost there!

I still have Gen Alphas at home. Every single thing in their life is digital. Wrong or right it’s the way of the world. Well, some of it I guess.

My kids got cash from their grandparents this weekend. After they said their thank you’s and such they handed it to me so I’d transfer to their Venmo. My teen girl doesn’t ever really carry a purse. So nowhere to hold anything. (She does use my “vintage” early 00s purses for special occasions. lol)

[-]

Yankee6Actual@reddit

My wallet only has my driver’s license, my amateur radio license, my debit card and one credit card.

I never have to pull out my wallet.

All my other cards sit in a drawer.

I have 2 stores. I still use cards but when the whole phone pay thing started I was surprised that mostly 30 to 45 year old women were predominantly using the phone to pay (including my wife) while men and college age young men and women were late adopters. Literally for the first year or so.

Now I notice that it is used by mostly women, from college age to like 50. Hardly any men use it here. And I never see older folks use it.

[-]

vulcangod08@reddit

CC and cash.

I use cash when I can. I hate getting junk mail from stores because I used my card.

I give them Tommy Tubbervilles office number when I pay cash and they ask for a number.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

You’re talking about emails, right? Junk emails?

Because if you still get junk mail from the mail guy I’m not sure what to say.

[-]

lazygerm@reddit

I have a small pouch-type wallet with my cards and driver's license.

Same here.

In the wallet: Cash for small expenses ($5 or less), or sometimes when going out to eat with friends (our usual restaurant doesn't takes CC). A couple of CCs. Debit card in the event I need to withdraw cash, but I do this more often when I travel. (Got low on cash once when my trip home was delayed, and it sucked having to find an open branch of my bank on a Saturday and write a check to myself at the teller window.) DL because my state doesn't have digital ID.

I use Venmo to send money to nephew, who has no idea what to do with a check. ApplePay for mass transit and some small transactions.

I never carried my checkbook with me, even when that was more common. Now virtually the only check I write is for monthly maintenance to my building management.

I don't know if I'd ever feel comfortable just carrying my phone, no wallet. A couple years ago I lost my phone, and it took 4 days to get the replacement. In just those few days, I was hamstrung repeatedly by not having it for all the multi-factor authentications that I couldn't do. If I was traveling and didn't have access to any form of payment either, I'd have been royally screwed.

[-]

Waesrdtfyg0987@reddit

The only check I write is the older guy who does some yard work once or twice a year.

[-]

Tess47@reddit

I do not have any pay mechanisms on my phone. We have a business and I do not want to be the weak link who let's in the hamburgler.

I also do not have any debit cards because debit cards are not protected like a cc is covered. Also normal bank accounts are insured to 250k, business accounts are not insured.

[-]

OverMlMs@reddit

I am

[-]

Thales411@reddit

The digital world is limited by connectivity. In central Mexico I have trouble getting a signal.

I also have trouble getting a signal in West Virginia.

I still have Gen Alphas at home. They think pennies are funny. Anytime they get cash they just hand it to me to transfer to their Venmo. Then I have cash I don’t know what to do with laying around.

[-]

Altruistic_Relief189@reddit

I was going to slowly migrate to Google wallet but I keep hearing about a data breach at Google that they haven't owned up to. I have used Venmo once to receive money. I am happy with my huge bulky RFID wallet at this time.

[-]

wrenchedups@reddit

Credit cards 100% of the time. I like my cash back. 4% on gas and groceries. 3% on everything else.

I use Apple Pay 99% of the time. I still carry the cards in a thin wallet with my id.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Right. You still get all the benefits of your CC (like cash back) no matter how you use the card.

I get carrying them too but I’ve never had an instance where I was stranded without something vital.

Starkville@reddit

ApplePay. All I need is my phone.

[-]

omfgwhatever@reddit

I'm kind of embarrassed to say I don't even know how to use Google pay with my phone. I have Google pay. I've used it with online purchases before, but I usually just use my card to pay when I'm out and about. I never have cash on me.

If you still use physical debit/credit cards, or even worse CASH (fucking gross), at the POS then you are a POS.

I use all of it.

[-]

anotherkeebler@reddit

I carry a wallet so I also carry 2 CC and a debit card. All three are in my Apple Wallet and that’s how I almost always use them.

The debit card says “member since 1987” on the back and sometimes I feel obligated to hand it to whippersnappers.

[-]

trUth_b0mbs@reddit

it's very rare I use my debit card to buy things; I will always put it on my credit card or use cash (which is also rare).

[-]

johntwoods@reddit

gif

I have a card carrier with a money clip. I usually carry $100 in cash until it’s gone (usually 6 months to a year). I do carry cards (debit and several credit cards, license in the card carrier).

That said, I do have official ID from the state government that’s in my phone. I have ApplePay and Zelle set up so can and do use those.

ApplePay is just tied to one card because I have a lack of trust with ApplePay. I have a card I trust won’t be a hassle if it comes to fraud and that’s what I have tied to it. I also get points for different kinds of spending. I’m not sure how that’s perceived by the card when I run it through ApplePay.

The latter is the real thing keeping me from converting.

[-]

BmanGorilla@reddit

A carry all of these things. My wife seems to expect me to be ready for anything that comes up. I keep debit and credit cards, as not everywhere has Apple Pay or whatever. I keep cash for contingencies, or food trucks in the boonies, yard sales, etc. it’s not legal to drive without a license on you, so of course I carry my ID all times.

[-]

VisibleSea4533@reddit

Always. My bank does not do Apple Pay.

[-]

nadiaco@reddit

Yes debit and I use cash a lot. Don't have any credit cards

[-]

MarcooseOnTheLoose@reddit

I carry my ID, debit card and credit card. And cash.

The other day somebody hit me on the motorway. Police came over. No way I’m going to give my phone and passcode to a policeman.

Use my physical cards all the time, miles quicker than the person in front of me who is absolutely never ready with their phone and seems blindsided by the need to pay.

[-]

GoldaV123@reddit

I have no digital wallet. I use a debit card — almost everywhere near me takes tap. But lots of farm stands here take cash for eggs, fresh veg, firewood, etc. I also prefer to use cash at places that expect a tip. Some places like the liquor store, have a tip screen that automatically shows up with tap to pay and if you use cash, there is no tip screen to deal with. I am a coward and if there is a tip screen and a cashier watching me, I will always tip even if I don’t want to. Infuriating. So cash works best for that. On the other hand, at the hair salon, I give the hairdresser a large cash tip so that I know she is getting it. She is very young and I asked her how she would prefer her tip. She told me she prefers a cash tip. Perfect!

[-]

Pendragenet@reddit

I carry the actual ID and cards. And I keep some cash tucked away in my phone case. I've had enough issues trying to get a payment through on an app that I like to have that second option on hand.

[-]

Patient-Brief-9713@reddit

Yes, always.

[-]

GoslingIchi@reddit

I use my physical cards every time I need them. I even still use my physical loyalty cards.

[-]

No-Jump-9601@reddit

I’m in the UK, I never leave home without my wallet, I don’t feel fully dressed without it. Although I have Apple Pay and use the digital wallet, I prefer to use my cards or pay cash just because I can.

There are so many in society that, for many reasons, aren’t able to access digital services or control their spending without cash and I feel it’s important to maintain these non digital platforms for as long as possible. I know that I don’t make much of a difference on my own but if enough people do like I do then it makes it harder to go fully digital.

[-]

I usually use my iPhone to pay, but I’ve been in several stores lately that don’t support tap. If I hadn’t had a physical card in my wallet, I would’ve been screwed.

[-]

TapeFlip187@reddit

I pay with cash as often as possible. I dont need anyone counting my money even more than they already do.

punkwalrus@reddit

Same. I'd say alot of places still don't take payment without a physical card. And a few more rare ones only take cash. I was at a Shell just a few months ago when their internet was down. I could only pay by cash for gas.

[-]

NotEasilyConfused@reddit

Remember when half of Spain lost internet a couple of years ago? Chaos in about 4 hours. Phones didn't work, people couldn't pay to get on a bus or buy a meal.

To whom / what do you write checks? To mail in utility bills, etc. or? I have only one check I'm required to write per month, but kind of miss it. Cheers!

[-]

Next_Engineer_8230@reddit

I write checks to my bills.

Internet Cell phone Car insurance

Most months I get a "check" (net metering) from the power company but when I don't, they get a check, too.

The lady that keeps my house and the gentleman that takes care of my land and animals.

I write checks or give cash for birthdays, weddings, showers, etc etc.

If I dont have cash and I'm out shopping, I'll write a check (if its an option at the establishment).

I don't do a lot of online shopping, not if there's a brick and mortar store near me but I make a lot of my clothes, grow and raise my own food, make my own laundry detergent, etc (homestead and I work full time - lord come save me!).

[-]

cabhop@reddit

Debit card, credit card, $300-500 cash, driver’s license, employee ID and permit to carry a concealed pistol in a bifold wallet. Also always have my phone with Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal and financial institution apps. Typically pay for things with physical credit card or debit card. Still write 5 or 6 checks a year, too.

[-]

jacqleen0430@reddit

I have a phone case that holds up to 3 cards. I keep my license, FSA card, and CC in it. It's the only thing I take with me when I leave the house except when I go to work.

[-]

phillymjs@reddit

I still carry cards and ID in a conventional trifold wallet (though it's now one that blocks RFID), and I still feel naked if I don't have around $80-100 in cash on me. That said, I'm honestly shocked at how quickly I got used to just swiping my watch over the POS terminal, and how annoyed I feel when I actually have to take out my wallet and insert my card like a goddamned caveman, lol.

[-]

ofthrees@reddit

it's insane to me that anyone with an option not to do so, uses their debit card at all, especially online.

when my son got his first bank account/debit card, and i learned he was using it to shop online, i immediately told him to use my amex (he was already an authorized user) and just pay me back. "never EVER use your debit card online!"

he didn't listen/didn't want to use my card... until he logged in to his bank account to discover someone had been taking systematic $200 withdrawals every week for six weeks. i helped him report it as fraud and the money was returned, but it took effort and time. he then immediately applied for a separate credit card that he uses exclusively for online purchases. (though now he uses apple pay as well, which has resulted in its own problems, but that's neither here nor there.)

fraud still happens with credit cards, of course, but when it does, it's not only usually quickly resolved, but it's not your ACTUAL CASH MONEY being stolen.

[-]

onions-make-me-cry@reddit

Exactly.

In 2017, I was at work in San Francisco when I noticed someone made a large purchase out of my bank account that day at a shoe store in Dublin, Ireland.

The money was returned to me, but it was extremely stressful in the meantime.

Since that day, I've never used my debit card. It sits in a drawer at home.

AmEx is probably the gold standard for protections. I recently had to file $1,000 for fraud on my AmEx, and it was easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Plus, I make a few thousand dollars every year in cashback.

[-]

ofthrees@reddit

yeah, i'm a hard and fast amex fan. i have banked so many rewards points over the years that i can't even think of the last time i used my own money at home depot, for instance - any time i need to go there, i cash out some points and get a digital card. my amex points have paid for everything from plants to a dresser to a toilet to painting three rooms to replacing blinds in five rooms to tile/sink/toilet/light fixtures in a reno'd bathroom.

i don't do cash back on my account - i just get points. between 3x at gas stations and certain restaurants (one of which i'm at once a week with never a bill lower than $120), not to mention the standard points on every single other thing i use it for - all shopping, my cell bill, etc. etc. - i currently have over 300K points... and it was 400K till i used 100K of them a week ago to cash out for a $500 amex gift card for my son. when i hosted his baby shower, i cashed out points for gift cards for raffle/game prizes.

as for protections, yes! they've blocked even my legit purchases just because it seemed shady to them based on my history - but because they send the notifications quickly and respond to them just as, i always have time to authorize so it goes through.

the VERY few times i've experienced fraud on my amex that they didn't catch, upon reporting it was immediately credited and i never heard another thing about it. and there have been a few times when authorized parties continued charging me after i cancelled - also quickly resolved.

i love amex. i still just carry a green, because it does what i need it to do, and they are, as you said, the gold standard. i've been telling everyone i know for 20 years to just go with amex.

i will say i also carry an amazon visa for the times a vendor doesn't take amex. also, the cashback with amazon is actually worth more than my points with amex, so i do use that card exclusively for my amazon purchases.

but other than amazon and places that don't accept amex, it's amex for EVERYTHING.

[-]

finny_d420@reddit

Where I live if you are buying alcohol, cigarettes or weed you have to produce a scanable ID at most places. Lost my license once and had to be aware of which stores would accept my passport. I'm in a very tourist city so no to phone pay stuff. Too many stories of scammers getting your info.

[-]

Azerafael@reddit

Have a cc but only use it for emergencies these days. Very bad life lesson from using them in my distant past.

Mainly pay in cash though. The lesson learned from my past inability to control my expenditures has taught me that its better to have physical cash so i don't overspend impulsively.

[-]

ZogemWho@reddit

Amex on everything. Can’t recall the last time I’ve used cash.

[-]

ResearcherHeavy9098@reddit

More and more just cash. Use a card at the grocery store and gas station.

[-]

redynair1@reddit

I still use cards 95% of the time, mostly debit. The rest, cash.

I don't see the need for more apps, personally. Maybe I just don't know what they can do besides pay back friends for pizza. I used Cash App a couple of times to lend money to a friend but found it kind of sketchy. I also tried Google Pay once years ago to see what the deal was. Very easy, for sure, but it's just something else to keep track of.

I make a point of keeping cash in.my wallet. It helps if im.gping.out to eat and splitting the bill. Also comes in handy if I need to leave a tip.

Otherwise I use physical cards.

[-]

rlw21564@reddit

I was at a grocery store the other day that didn't take payments with Apple/Google Pay. I was astonished.

I'm over 60 and I'm so surprised when I see people my age and younger who still insert our swipe their cards that have chips on them. It's so much more secure.

i use my amex for virtually everything; i never use my debit for purchases, and only carry it for the rare occasions i need to pull out cash.

i am super resistant to cashapps; i have venmo installed but linked to my amex only (i pay the fee), because I don't trust a third party with access to my bank account. i use it exclusively for dinner bill splits and for a few vendors who mandate it. zelle has been used a few times for family who don't have venmo, and once for a temporary apartment rental.

I have a magnetic pop socket wallet thing on the back of my phone for cards and ID, and an emergency $40 in cash between the case and phone. I use my credit cards on my pixel watch when I remember.

Sore_Wa_Himitsu_Desu@reddit

Not all places take Apple Pay etc and I have to get my license scanned for meds and volunteer work. Also, I’d be worried to get pulled over and not have a physical Id on me.

[-]

Cool-Coffee-8949@reddit

Not only are there cash-only businesses where I live, but there are bars etcetera where “virtual” IDs are wholly unacceptable. Also our bank refuses to allow tap to pay or Apple Pay on our debit cards.

[-]

kittyshakedown@reddit (OP)

Where are you? Curious.

So your bank still sends out a card that you can’t tap to pay? Does anyone at POS have machines for that?? Like the bank doesn’t do them because no one uses them? Or can use them?

It just seems a modern day bank has modern day things.

Why would they be unacceptable? I’m in the US so maybe it’s completely different.

[-]

Cool-Coffee-8949@reddit

I’m in the US too. Greater Boston. I’ve yet to find a place where I couldn’t insert or swipe to pay with my debit card. Not including cash-only businesses of course, but there aren’t that many of those.

I use my cards and cash. My very old iphone 7 doesn't support the updated wallet apps 😆

My purse has a built in wallet. Cards in it include CCs, license, and insurance card.

[-]

jenorama_CA@reddit

The only place that forces me to drag out my physical card is the rare trip to Walmart.

[-]

87YoungTed@reddit

I carry debit, cc, cash and dl. Passport if I need it. I minimize phone usage as much as possible. No email. Text or call - I'm not trying to read emails on a tiny ass phone screen with my eyes anymore.

[-]

creeva@reddit

I’ll use Apple Pay for restaurants orders, online purchases , and the rare in person - but generally physical cards for everything.

There is also no way I would hand over my phone to use ID. If that ever becomes mandated I’ll buy a burner phone just for that.

[-]

gmkrikey@reddit

I carry a physical driver’s license. I am not handing my phone to a police officer unlocked. I do have the virtual DL app if I want to use it myself but no one takes it.

Many times that’s all I have with me. My watch and phone support Apple Pay and that’s usually good enough. I often don’t have my phone.

Mikey317717@reddit

90% of the time I use Google Pay on phone or watch. There are some places I go, however, where they don't accept it and I have to have at least one card on me. All Walmarts in my area... I am looking at you. Same with most gas stations in my area unless I go inside.

Post-Covid, why in the bloody blue blazes do some people refuse to get tap to pay?