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SocialDemocrat61

(7,182 posts)
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 09:12 AM Nov 2025

Which payment method do you use the most at stores?


157 votes, 1 pass | Time left: Time expired
Credit/Debit card
131 (83%)
Cash
20 (13%)
Check
2 (1%)
Barter of goods or services ;)
1 (1%)
Other
3 (2%)
Show usernames
Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Which payment method do you use the most at stores? (Original Post) SocialDemocrat61 Nov 2025 OP
So many cafes are no cash now BlueWaveNeverEnd Nov 2025 #1
I believe in NYC choie Nov 2025 #13
Have been using credit or debit more the doc03 Nov 2025 #2
Under $20, cash. Over $20, debit. Emile Nov 2025 #3
I use a credit card ... PBC_Democrat Nov 2025 #4
Why do you ask? Amaryllis Nov 2025 #5
... EYESORE 9001 Nov 2025 #6
Curiosity SocialDemocrat61 Nov 2025 #7
I'm curious how many DUers hate beets leftstreet Nov 2025 #9
You should SocialDemocrat61 Nov 2025 #12
definitely on Team Hate Beets nt yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #40
Me too Bettie Nov 2025 #74
I'm not a fan of beets. I know they are good Emile Nov 2025 #14
I learned to like them. I don't love them, but like enough to get their benefits....Otho cottage cheese?... electric_blue68 Nov 2025 #59
Love beets! Shambala Nov 2025 #18
We can't be friends leftstreet Nov 2025 #28
😂 more beets for me then Shambala Nov 2025 #39
You MUST read "Jitterbug Perfume DFW Nov 2025 #55
The beet was Rasputin's favorite vegetable leftstreet Nov 2025 #56
Ah, well...... DFW Nov 2025 #67
Beets Turbineguy Nov 2025 #19
Right there with you....childhood trauma LtTx Nov 2025 #29
I love beets and I think we need a new DU argument thread! yardwork Nov 2025 #20
Once I saw Dana Loesch pimping beet extracts I swore off of then forever!!! Moostache Nov 2025 #26
Put me down under "I love beets." NameAlreadyTaken Nov 2025 #35
Thank you for asking. hamsterjill Nov 2025 #25
My email acct once was hacked and they sent a message to my entire address book that started with asking "Do you use Amaryllis Nov 2025 #30
I have had that happen to me, resulting in the Nigerian Prince scam going out to my entire address list. nt yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #72
I use Apple Pay Mz Pip Nov 2025 #8
We have a small retail shop, and NameAlreadyTaken Nov 2025 #37
All of my paper money says PoindexterOglethorpe Nov 2025 #10
I no longer use a credit card; debit card only. If I can't afford to pay for something now, I don't want debt to be CTyankee Nov 2025 #11
Credit cards companies want your Social Security number Emile Nov 2025 #16
I have a wise fear of disclosing my SS number to anybody. CTyankee Nov 2025 #17
My first voter list order auditor asked what all I wanted on the list and I said everything. Thinking voting history IA8IT Nov 2025 #60
your bank has it, it is necessary to file taxes, in Texas you have to have it for a driver's license and voter yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #70
I'd honestly avoid using a debit card fujiyamasan Nov 2025 #46
I will check with my bank on its procedure. Thanks for the heads up. CTyankee Nov 2025 #51
Usually cash but sometimes a credit card. Munu Nov 2025 #15
Have used Rebl2 Nov 2025 #21
Should separate credit/debit... Wounded Bear Nov 2025 #22
Try to use cash all the time. Prairie_Seagull Nov 2025 #23
Swish Celerity Nov 2025 #24
untill now , snap. in future debit card. AllaN01Bear Nov 2025 #27
I have switched to credit card LtTx Nov 2025 #31
Same. I DO NOT want any transactions on Debit card, it puts my checking account at bigger risk of hacking Attilatheblond Nov 2025 #45
I've had debit cards stolen fujiyamasan Nov 2025 #50
Up until about 8 years ago, I paid cash for food, etc. Then, it just became easier to hand a credit card and Silent Type Nov 2025 #32
If the store has a rewards system, it is easier to track your points yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #43
Debit card. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 2025 #33
What about tap (ApplePay, Google Pay)? NameAlreadyTaken Nov 2025 #34
While back, there was some news about tap to pay problems. Seems the machine didn't always clear out Attilatheblond Nov 2025 #47
Wow that's strange and disturbing. NameAlreadyTaken Nov 2025 #53
I had a grocery clerk chase me down in the parking lot because he caught it happening Attilatheblond Nov 2025 #63
I rarely carry cash. Americanme Nov 2025 #36
I use my CC because I get miles. I use it for pretty much everything that I can use it for. I lay it off Raftergirl Nov 2025 #38
Definitely a debit card with the following exceptions: yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #41
Credit csrds usedtobedemgurl Nov 2025 #42
I have an American Airlines frequent flyer card, which gives points for everything you use it for yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #44
You can also get cards that give you a bonus. usedtobedemgurl Nov 2025 #48
Yes... thank you! AAdvantage card and HHonors card... for everything! QueerDuck Nov 2025 #49
thanks for that tip! My property taxes have been reduced enough that putting the yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #71
cash and debit ShepKat Nov 2025 #52
By December chickens will be better than cash Johonny Nov 2025 #54
These days I only use cash to pay the cleaning lady, the guy that cuts my hair and as a tip for the nail guy. beaglelover Nov 2025 #57
It's about 50/50, cash or card. Iggo Nov 2025 #58
This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Nov 2025 #61
Only on Epstein Island 😉 SocialDemocrat61 Nov 2025 #66
From travels to the southeastern US IzzaNuDay Nov 2025 #62
also in Texas. nt yellowdogintexas Nov 2025 #73
There are very few things I use cash for jmowreader Nov 2025 #64
The last time I used a check the cashier didn't know what to do with it. Owl Nov 2025 #65
Five finger discount... BluesRunTheGame Nov 2025 #68
I like getting 2% credit card reward and being able to keep track of payments wishstar Nov 2025 #69

doc03

(38,930 posts)
2. Have been using credit or debit more the
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 09:44 AM
Nov 2025

last year or so. Cash just seems to disappear
I had their meal deal at Arby's yesterday sandwich, fries and drink over $11. I had lunch
at Denny's one day last week. Skillet dinner and an extra $1.50 for garlic toast $3 for coffee and 15% tip $21.15.




Emile

(41,369 posts)
14. I'm not a fan of beets. I know they are good
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:19 AM
Nov 2025

for you, but never liked the taste of them. Same way with cottage cheese. Cottage cheese tastes like sour milk to me.

electric_blue68

(26,386 posts)
59. I learned to like them. I don't love them, but like enough to get their benefits....Otho cottage cheese?...
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:25 PM
Nov 2025

Eeeew, I hate the look of it. 😄

DFW

(59,875 posts)
55. You MUST read "Jitterbug Perfume
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:17 PM
Nov 2025

No one should die without having read that book SERIOUSLY!!! NO ONE!!

It will also remove any beet aversion you may have had, even if it has been for decades.

Do yourself a favor and read Jitterbug Perfume! You will thank me for the rest of your life. This is no joke!

leftstreet

(39,501 posts)
56. The beet was Rasputin's favorite vegetable
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:23 PM
Nov 2025

you could see it in his eyes



That's a great book! (Still hate beets though)

LtTx

(57 posts)
29. Right there with you....childhood trauma
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:08 AM
Nov 2025

I am a polio survivor. Had it as a toddler in mid 1957. Mostly affected lower right leg and both feet. I was very lucky to be treated at Shriner's Hospital- Shreveport for multiple surgeries when I was 11 and 13. I spent 9 months in the hospital both times. 300 miles away from my parents/siblings. But...they served beets regularly. I would hide them in my cup for brushing my teeth and then flush them in the toilet! Still cannot even think about eating them!

Moostache

(11,094 posts)
26. Once I saw Dana Loesch pimping beet extracts I swore off of then forever!!!
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:04 AM
Nov 2025

I would rather die than see my economic activity intentionally benefit that bitch by one red cent....

hamsterjill

(17,184 posts)
25. Thank you for asking.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:02 AM
Nov 2025

I often times wonder what makes someone create a poll like this. And most times, I don't answer.

Amaryllis

(11,110 posts)
30. My email acct once was hacked and they sent a message to my entire address book that started with asking "Do you use
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:11 AM
Nov 2025

Amazon" and if the answer was yes, it went on from there asking ....oh, it's too complicated to explain but several friends who fell for it lost money and consequently I am very skeptical if anyone asks anything finances.

NameAlreadyTaken

(2,271 posts)
37. We have a small retail shop, and
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:29 AM
Nov 2025

we have seen a slow, steady increase in the number of ApplePay or GooglePay users over the last 10 years.

I'm always happy to see someone use ApplePay because it is so easy and quick and it's basically fraud-proof. I wish it would become the prevailing standard.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(28,485 posts)
10. All of my paper money says
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:14 AM
Nov 2025

"This note is good for all debts public and private".

I don't understand how any business can legally refuse cash. Someday I'm going to make sure I have only cash with me, no credit or debit card and see what happens.

CTyankee

(67,906 posts)
11. I no longer use a credit card; debit card only. If I can't afford to pay for something now, I don't want debt to be
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:15 AM
Nov 2025

hanging over me. The only debt I have now is mortgage and of course there are benefits there.

Emile

(41,369 posts)
16. Credit cards companies want your Social Security number
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:24 AM
Nov 2025

when you apply. I remember when your Social Security card used to be printed on them, not to be used for identification. With all the identity theft, we need to get back with that.

IA8IT

(6,380 posts)
60. My first voter list order auditor asked what all I wanted on the list and I said everything. Thinking voting history
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:26 PM
Nov 2025

Included was every voter in the county social security number. The 90's in Iowa... now Iowa has voter ID numbers.

About a three inch stack of voter list with the dot matrix printer holes on the edges was fed into shredder

yellowdogintexas

(23,612 posts)
70. your bank has it, it is necessary to file taxes, in Texas you have to have it for a driver's license and voter
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 02:41 PM
Nov 2025

registration, it is on your passport if you have one and these days it is assigned when you are a kid so it is on everything you do from that point on, and every employer has it in their files..

There is literally no way you can avoid giving out your social security number.

I am just really really careful about using it recklessly. These days, if you are confirming something financial you are most likely only asked for the last 4 digits.

fujiyamasan

(1,431 posts)
46. I'd honestly avoid using a debit card
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:17 PM
Nov 2025

They’re probably the least secure method of payment. I’ve had criminals steal and draw money directly from my accounts on several occasions. It also takes days for the money to be debited back from the bank in case of fraud. It’s stressful waiting during that time period. I’d rather my credit card be skimmed than a debit card.

A credit card dispute is much easier. The key is just paying off the balance each month to avoid interest and fees. The cash back and rewards cards out there make it a no brainer.

I’d suggest using cash over a debit card. At least if you’re mugged or pick pocketed, it’s whatever that’s in your wallet or purse that’s stolen, and not your bank account.

Rebl2

(17,525 posts)
21. Have used
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:51 AM
Nov 2025

credit card at grocery store all my married life and that card is paid off each month in total. Large purchases go on credit cards and get paid off each month, not that we make many large purchases anymore.

Wounded Bear

(63,970 posts)
22. Should separate credit/debit...
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 10:58 AM
Nov 2025

I use my debit card as most of the time. Cash on small purchases/items and credit sometimes.

Prairie_Seagull

(4,622 posts)
23. Try to use cash all the time.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:00 AM
Nov 2025

When I go the an atm to take out cash. I take out 50's. 100's get you looked at funny and the bill scrutinized much more. When I haven't planned ahead I use my debit.

LtTx

(57 posts)
31. I have switched to credit card
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:11 AM
Nov 2025

My debit card has had to be replaced 4 times in the last 18 months due to fraudulent use. The credit card offers more security for me. I have alerts set up on the credit cards to advise me of just about any purchase.

Attilatheblond

(8,514 posts)
45. Same. I DO NOT want any transactions on Debit card, it puts my checking account at bigger risk of hacking
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:17 PM
Nov 2025

I pay off my credit card every month unless there is an expensive emergency. My card does allow me to use 3-6 months to pay off a bigger purchase without any interest.

fujiyamasan

(1,431 posts)
50. I've had debit cards stolen
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:25 PM
Nov 2025

And it’s a real drag disputing the transactions and stressful while waiting for the bank to despot it the cash. It’s so much easier to dispute transactions with a credit card.

The last thing I’d want is my bank account exposed to others. The debit card does exactly that. I usually just keep it at home.

 

Silent Type

(12,412 posts)
32. Up until about 8 years ago, I paid cash for food, etc. Then, it just became easier to hand a credit card and
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:12 AM
Nov 2025

go my way.

It was sometimes painful watching cashiers try to count out change.

OAITW r.2.0

(31,731 posts)
33. Debit card.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:14 AM
Nov 2025

Easier to track total purchases in my budget-to-actual expenses in my Excel spreadsheet. I developed it over 10 years ago and allows me to view long term trends in my spending.

Edited to add: And no to the beets.

Attilatheblond

(8,514 posts)
47. While back, there was some news about tap to pay problems. Seems the machine didn't always clear out
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:18 PM
Nov 2025

and when other people tapped, it sometimes went on previous user's bill. Nah, I'll pass on tapping

NameAlreadyTaken

(2,271 posts)
53. Wow that's strange and disturbing.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:12 PM
Nov 2025

We use the Square Terminal in our little retail store. It accepts card payments or tap payments. We've never had the problem you mentioned happen with tap payments. I hope that problem has been fixed!

Attilatheblond

(8,514 posts)
63. I had a grocery clerk chase me down in the parking lot because he caught it happening
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:44 PM
Nov 2025

While he was ringing up the person behind me in line, he noticed that person's order was being added to my previous order. Bit of a mess to get straightened out. Glad the clerk noticed something was amiss. I use my credit card at the store now. Easier to fix.

Americanme

(433 posts)
36. I rarely carry cash.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 11:19 AM
Nov 2025

Rarely write a paper check. Almost all transactions are debit card/credit card, or electronic transfer.

yellowdogintexas

(23,612 posts)
41. Definitely a debit card with the following exceptions:
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:10 PM
Nov 2025

One of Ft Worth's most popular restaurants has a cash only policy. No debit, credit cards or personal checks
Gas pumps. Never use your debit card at the gas pump. Crooks rig those card slots with a tool which allows them to get your bank account information. I either use my Costco card or another credit card. It is a lot easier to keep track of the purchases that way. Too many of my friends have had their bank accounts messed up because they used their debit card at the pump.

We also use a credit card for any large purchase which might mess with our cash flow.

usedtobedemgurl

(1,944 posts)
42. Credit csrds
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:13 PM
Nov 2025

I pay them in full the end of every month. I just bought a game arcade table with over 500 games from a points to cash conversion on one of my cards.

yellowdogintexas

(23,612 posts)
44. I have an American Airlines frequent flyer card, which gives points for everything you use it for
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:16 PM
Nov 2025

If I am using it to buy tickets, I get miles for the flight itself, and miles for the $$.
This has given me a number of free trips to Phoenix.

usedtobedemgurl

(1,944 posts)
48. You can also get cards that give you a bonus.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:20 PM
Nov 2025

So, when you sign up, you can get a bonus of something like $200 if you spend a $1,000 in three months. It is crazy the offers they give. Good on you getting those free trips.

QueerDuck

(1,224 posts)
49. Yes... thank you! AAdvantage card and HHonors card... for everything!
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 12:20 PM
Nov 2025

Even property taxes... the "courtesy fee" charged by my county -vs- the miles/points earned is worth it to keep our "Diamond" status.

yellowdogintexas

(23,612 posts)
71. thanks for that tip! My property taxes have been reduced enough that putting the
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 02:48 PM
Nov 2025

installments on a card would be easy to pay out immediately and it just adds more miles.
In Texas, we have a hefty homestead exemption and over 65 or disabled homeowners have an additional reduction. One of the few things our state legislature had done which is universally beneficial.

beaglelover

(4,445 posts)
57. These days I only use cash to pay the cleaning lady, the guy that cuts my hair and as a tip for the nail guy.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:24 PM
Nov 2025

Everything else goes on the CC which I pay off monthly.

Response to SocialDemocrat61 (Original post)

IzzaNuDay

(1,256 posts)
62. From travels to the southeastern US
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:31 PM
Nov 2025

Credit card payments at some establishments charged an extra 3% if credit cards were used. I ended up using most of my cash while on the road.

Owl

(3,764 posts)
65. The last time I used a check the cashier didn't know what to do with it.
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 01:57 PM
Nov 2025

Had to bring her supervisor over and even she was uncertain how to enter the check into the register. Another supervisor came over and it finally got entered for payment.

wishstar

(5,810 posts)
69. I like getting 2% credit card reward and being able to keep track of payments
Thu Nov 6, 2025, 03:27 PM
Nov 2025

So far this year have gotten over $200 in credit card rewards. Card pays 3% on gas.

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