To think this is not abnormal?!

[Linnylinn1]

In work today one of the girls asked me something about a credit card and transferring a balance. I said “oh don’t ask me I have never had a credit card, I don’t know anything about them!” She was totally shocked that I don’t have one (as were the rest of the office!” AIBU to think it’s not THAT shocking!!??

@ThatMuppetShow

Are you seriously telling me that these credit card companies force you to spend money on them just because you have one? That shouldn’t be allowed. Someone should be stopping that.

Recently loads of people were scammed hundreds and thousands of pounds from an extremely dodgy travel company selling holidays to Disney. Paying by credit card meant lots were refunded - lots who paid by debit card/bank transfer won’t be.

Never had a problem getting goods back if faulty. Usually only purchase from known suppliers and a limited number of companies.
Had problems overseas that insurances have reimbursed - laptop stolen, medical care in emergency.
Hardest thing to get a refund on was train fares from EasyJet when we were transferred because of Italian airport strikes last year. We did eventually get reimbursed but it did need persistence, to be fair.

Are you seriously telling me that these credit card companies force you to spend money on them just because you have one?

I know, isn't that shocking! Having a credit card literally means living above your means apparently

His credit score was incredible at 21 because of it.
Is that what first attracted you to him? LOL

For me these supposed side benefits aren't worth the hassle of remembering I've got it and servicing that. Plus the risk of stealing from myself in the future. I don't need to worry about my credit score. I don't need to make a lot of big purchases. And all of it of course benefits the banks more than it benefits any individual using said cards, and is part of a system that does land lots of people in financial trouble.

Thought of another advantage to credit cards. Every so often there's the 'asda have blocked off all the money in my current account and I can't access my own money' type posts because the initial authorisation and the final amount were different in online shopping so there's a duplicate 'hanging' transaction that takes a few days to drop off and release the funds.

With credit cards you don't have to worry about that sort of nonsense, because they just block a portion of the credit limit and that's usually well above what you typically spend on them.

And all of it of course benefits the banks more than it benefits any individual using said cards

Only if you don’t pay it back in full each month.

@Linnylinn1

It's a bit unusual, but all power to you for not having one. So many people are in debt, some for stuff they don't need. So good for you.

^We've been known to use 5 or 6 supermarket chains in a month, and I wouldnt want a card for each of them.^

You don’t need one for each store... you have one cc, eg a Nat west card and you get cash back any supermarket.

There are a lot of people on this thread who don’t understand how cc work 🤷‍♀️

I use one for everything I buy. I never use cash. I never carry it... just like our dear queen.

I keep an eye on my spending on my banking app, I never go above my means and pay of the balance by dd each month.

The cc cash back schemes I’m in have paid for flights, clothes, treats, etc. The cc company has sorted out disputes I’ve had with companies promptly. I’ve always got my money back... wouldn’t have happened if I’d used a debit card.

I don’t NEED to use a cc, I choose to use one for cash back each month, vouchers each quarter and consumer protection.

@Linnylinn1

Although......... having said that, it's handy to have for emergencies, AND more importantly, if you buy anything on them (electrical, or machinery like a car, or a holiday,) you have a lot of comeback, and can often be refunded in full, if things go wrong.

I got a credit card when someone stole my debit card details and spent some money from my account. They had tried to make a big purchase of several hundred pounds but it was rejected because it was near the end of the month so we didn't have large amounts in the account.

However we'd have been seriously fucked if they'd attempted big purchases in the gap between payday (second last working day of the month), and the 1st of the next month when mortgage etc all came out.

We got credit cards at this point and now never use debit cards online to minimise the risk of having our actual money stolen if the details are compromised.

Plus as others said, it's great consumer protection and often also have cashback deals etc- we've earned over £300 in John lewis vouchers plus a whole load of avios so far this year... we pay off balance each month so it's literally free stuff.

I didn't have one until I went travelling and realised it would give me additional protection. Now we use one to get cashback on certain spends but it is always paid off in full. They scare me.

Aaaaaaaaaaaarghhhhhh!!!!

I can't do this any more!

It’s fine. I’ll just keep the £250 of free money I got last year.

Some passive aggressive twats out tonight

Interesting to hear about cashback. I also have never had a CC and was unaware of the cashback thing..? Is that all CC?
Having said that, I haven’t noticed anything missing in my life tbh with regards insurance or anything else. I’ve hired cars/paid for hotels/taxis abroad, made online payments 100s of times...all on my debit card. Once someone committed fraud using my account details; that was covered by my bank. I have a special card that doesn’t charge to withdraw abroad that I just use for holidays.

I don’t understand about credit rating. I’ve applied (successfully) for 3 mortgages in my life but haven’t had anything on finance. Last year for the first time decide to get a car on finance. Never any problem. I feel like needing one for credit rating is a myth? I’m late 30s.

Canyousewcushions Why would you be fucked? My money was stolen and the bank replaced it immediately including any charges made for overdraft/late payments etc. Card type made no difference.

If I can't afford something I don't buy it. I still put everything on my credit card and pay it off in full each month by direct debit. The money is sitting in my bank account, ready to pay the card off each month. I could use my debit card for purchases but I get cashback on my credit card, zero foreign transaction fees, it's useful for car hire and of course the section 75 protection for purchases over £100. My typical card statement is just groceries and petrol, the stuff I'd have to buy anyway so I might as well get cashback on it. If you're the type that lives beyond your means then they aren't a great idea but anyone who is financially savvy can see the use in having access to one.

I refuse to have one. I pay what I need with my debit card and if that doesn't cover it, I don't get it. On the two occasions I needed a larger sum (clutch broke down and a close overseas funeral) I politely requested my ILs to help. I realise this isn't an option for everyone, but the point is I refuse to spend the money I don't have as a principle.

but the point is I refuse to spend the money I don't have as a principle

Yes, me too.

I still put everything on credit card.

Never had one.

I refuse to spend the money I don't have as a principle
Me too. I could easily pay for everything in cash using my debit card. But I use a credit card for safety purposes, to insure my purchases and guard against fraud. Then I pay it off immediately.

People don’t seem to be getting using them for every day expenses. They seem to only be able to picture 60 inch TVs and designer handbags while sinking deeper and deeper into debt.

NACCALT

Reading this makes me realise I need to use my CC more!! I have an M&S one as I like their clothes and for 3 children the vouchers are useful!

I also have a Halifax clarity one which means I don't get charged fees when taking out money abroad.

I do know people who got into trouble with CCs but for those who can control their spending they are recommended.

I didn't have one for many years and did feel smug about it (like many PPs it seems) but realised their value in my 30s.

You can play the system easily. Get an interest free one and pay off a big purchase (eg flights) gradually over that period. Then close it down and get another. Or pay off in full. Just don't have too many big purchases at one time!!

People who say they don't know anyone who doesn't have one - how would you know?
I have a debit card that I can use to buy things online, etc. so my friends wouldn't necessarily know that I don't have a credit card.
I have had some in the past, but I've also been in a situation where my debit card many years ago didn't have visa and having to explain at hotels that I didn't have a credit card they could take as a deposit in case I stole from the minibar or something. It was definitely considered unusual, but now I could use my debit card for that anyway.

On the two occasions I needed a larger sum (clutch broke down and a close overseas funeral) I politely requested my ILs to help

Joins those banging their head against the wall. That sort of situation is another example of exactly what credit cards are for, to manage short term cashflow issues or spread an unexpected cost across 2 or 3 paydays like a grown up without having to go running to the bank of mum and dad. But why take your own precautions and arrange a credit facility when you can tap up the inlaws instead?

but the point is I refuse to spend the money I don't have as a principle.

I have several credit cards use them for almost every purchase I make.

I never spend money I don't have.