[rsynnott]

> And Ireland seems similar to the US when it comes to credit card usage (vs debit).

That's definitely not the case. Many people would have credit cards, but there's a lot less incentive to actually use them than there is in the US, because the interchange (paid ultimately by the merchant) is capped at 0.3% in the EU (whereas in the US it can be upward of 3% on high-end cards). The interchange pays for the 'reward' schemes that US card issuers provide, largely. Without those, why bother?

I've a credit card, but I essentially never use it, except when visiting the US (where some vendors actually refuse debit cards, or at least used to).

[tlogan]

> Without those, why bother?

Peace of mind (that your checking account is not drained)?

[rsynnott]

How would that happen? Chip and pin has been mandatory for years, as is 3dsecure.

[tlogan]

That is not going to help if:

- someone steals your card and PIN

- the merchant turns out to be dishonest (or some misunderstanding) and you want you money back

- you fall for fraud

- the merchant mistakenly charges you, causing an overdraft on your checking account