You’ve heard that cash is king, but not always. Sometimes there's a case for using cash, like tipping the doorman a few dollars.
But most times, you want a record of your purchases. Especially when credit card transactions often double as receipts. The computer-logged transactions are like epitaphs, memorializing every impromptu shopping spree.
Whether using a cash back credit card, check, or other non-cash method, here are 12 things you should never pay for with cash.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Business purchases
For work-related purchases, you need a paper trail. Paying by credit card ensures you have a record — critical for your business or your work’s accounting department. Plus, you can take advantage of cash back and other perks with business rewards credit cards.
Electronics
Purchasing a television or other electronics on a credit card can come with great perks, including interest-free financing, cashback rewards, and extended warranty benefits. Some credit cards offer additional protection to extend the claim period or coverage limit.
Travel purchases
Airfare, hotels, and travel expenses are best paid for with a credit card, particularly travel credit cards, as they can pay outstanding points, miles, or cashback rewards. Strategic card users can regularly bank enough points or miles to score free trips.
Many credit cards provide coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, illness, injury, or lost luggage. Plus, you can report a card lost or stolen and get a replacement — without being on the hook for fraudulent charges. With cash, it’s gone for good.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Auto repairs
Paying the mechanic with a credit card can be a smart move that offers protection if you discover the service work wasn’t properly done. Many cards offer purchase protection on car repair work.
Home repairs
Similar to car repairs, putting home repairs or renovations on a credit card can offer you additional protection. If you encounter any issues with the contractor’s work, you can dispute the charges.
Trending Stories
Event tickets
Many finance experts believe you should always purchase concerts, sports, or other event tickets with a credit card.
Increasingly, fraudulent sellers are peddling fake tickets and bilking consumers out of big bucks. Credit card companies offer consumer protection so you can recover those stolen funds.
Credit cards may offer you coverage in the event a show is canceled or postponed, and some even provide black-tie concierge perks, like access to presale tickets and first dibs on popular shows.
Car rental
Your next car rental is another smart purchase to put on your card. Many car rental agencies even require it, so they’re protected (they know your card is good for it) if you damage the vehicle.
A credit card protects you, too, often by offering additional insurance coverage, including protection for collision or theft.
Groceries
Putting groceries on your credit card can help you score great cashback rewards, with many cards offering up to 5% cash back for this category. It’s also an easy way to track your grocery spending month-over-month.
Rent
While you usually can’t pay your rent on a credit card without racking up some hefty fees, paying the rent in cash is a bad idea. You want proof of payment. Instead of cash, pay by check, Venmo, or some other traceable method.
There are, however, some online payment services you can use to pay your rent (among other bills) via credit card, which can help you earn rewards and gain flexibility in managing your finances.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Utility bills
Using a credit card to pay your utility bills can be a smart way to put some of your finances on autopilot and turn a routine bill into another opportunity to earn cashback rewards.
Setting up bills on autopay means there will be no disruption to your services. Just make sure to check your statements each month to look for any unusual charges or spikes in usage.
Monthly subscriptions
Like your electric bill and other utilities, paying your monthly subscriptions with a credit card can ensure uninterrupted service and great credit card rewards. Some cards are even designed to offer rewards for streaming services, meal kits, and other monthly subscriptions.
Restaurants
Dining out, or ordering takeout, is another spend category to put on your credit card. Many rewards credit cards offer double or triple rewards, or even more, for charging restaurant purchases.
Bottom line
Cash isn’t always so convenient. Many of us never keep it on hand anymore. While sometimes cash is the best payment method, credit cards generally offer you more security, better record-keeping, and points or perks so you can earn rewards for your everyday spending.
And even if you love paying with crisp green bills, keep in mind that businesses are increasingly going cash-free and will only accept digital or electronic payment. So prepare yourself financially, and take along a credit card just in case.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details