[oldmariner]

You also need multiple credit cards.

I mostly use cash everywhere I go, but I have one credit card for autopay items, and another credit card for random purchases. I have a third card for temporary use should either of the first two cards be hit with fraud and I need to wait for a replacement card in the mail.

If you don't want to have multiple credit card accounts, you can often get a second card on the same account with a different name and use that one.

If you write checks, you should do that from a seperate account because everything someone needs to steal your money is written on the front of the check.

[AstroJetson]

I have multiple cards with multiple providers. I make an effort twice a year to run transactions through them to keep them active. The rewards card gets the most activity, the others are there as backup.

I've had the main card "stolen" a few times. Even with free overnight shipping it takes 2 days to get the card and activate the account. Having a backup card makes that less painless.

[thr0w]

You don't need any credit cards. I've never had a credit card, and it's caused me 0 friction in life.

[oldmariner]

You don't need any, but they're very useful when used responsibly.

A person could theoretically go through their whole life (in the U.S.) and not need any form of credit, but that usually requires having money or capital upfront.

If you end up wanting to do something that requires a card (and cash, check etc isn't accepted as with most online payments), then it's better to use a credit card than a debit card as you have better protections in case something goes wrong or your card is skimmed.

[thr0w]

> but that usually requires having money or capital upfront.

I have a mortgage. My lender wanted a year's worth of utility bill payments in lieu of me not having a credit score.

[oldmariner]

Interesting. Did you ask or did they say how often they make that accomodation, or did they talk about any other similar kinds of accomodations?

[literallyroy]

I’d be interested in the reason you don’t have a credit card. In my eyes, if you treat them like a debit card and don’t spend more than you have, then it’s just free money (2% cash back etc.)

[more_corn]

You can’t rent a car without a credit card. (Please do not be standing in front of me in line when you try and fail)

Most hotels require one too.

This is for any situation where your liability may exceed your cash on hand.

[thr0w]

> You can’t rent a car without a credit card.

> Most hotels require one too.

These are always the first things people say when I tell them I don't have a credit card. Far as I can tell they're both completely false, at least as of recent history. I rent cars and book hotel rooms on my plain old debit card all the time.

[toast0]

You can rent a car with a debit cards in many cases. Avis has a page [1], but it's lacking specifics, so you probably need to call the desired rental location to verify. Enterprise seems to say they accept debit cards (with some restrictions/deposit requirements).

Doesn't seem like a can't, although it might be in some locations.

[1] https://www.avis.com/en/help/usa-faqs/debit-card-policy

[xenospn]

You probably don’t go anywhere, because I travel a lot and trying to only use cash would’ve been a huge burden.

[daelon]

There are more options than "credit cards" and "cash".

[lurking_swe]

don’t most hotels strongly prefer a credit card on file? i think they typically put a large hold on a debit card. could be an issue for some.