Money Tips: Carry Credit Cards and Cash for Emergencies

Posted On: April 15, 2007

Guest: davej
Post subject: Carry Credit Cards and Cash for Emergencies
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:36 am

What if emergency happens far from an ATM?? Do you know the story of billionaire Howard Hughes, when emergency caught him somewhere cashless and, thus, helpless, with no ATMs or people who knew him… I don’t think he was happy back then… Carrying little cash along with debit and credit cards is not a bad idea after all, I guess…

Guest: JaneiR36
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:44 am

I always carry debit cards, but not really as back-up payment. More so I can access the ATM if I need to deposit a check. The one place that only took cash now takes credit, so I don’t have to withdraw cash as often.

Personally, I’m prepared to walk away if both cards failed to swipe. I assume if I were in a restaurant, I’d just shrug and see what they can come up with. Oh, I guess I also carry a check book… my rent and this one particular restaurant pretty much require that I do.

My sister once joked that you should always carry cash, in case a robber got you. You know, one of those “your money or your life” gigs. Ya probably wanna have the money. haha.

Guest: LustfortheMoment
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:35 am

Quote:
Has anyone ever gone into a store or restaurant that does not take AMEX, so you pull out a Visa or Mastercard (your #2 card), and it doesn’t scan or work

NO, and I travel a lot overseas as well. If the scan of a Visa/MC doesn’t work, the account number can always be manually entered. As long as you keep your account in good standing, there shouldn’t be a problem.

I therefore travel with only two credit cards, AMEX Blue Cash and MC. However, I also have a BofA debit card which I use to obtain cash at ATMs. You can use credit cards in the same fashion but will get hit with a cash advance charge.

Georgee, don’t you have a checking account?? Do you avoid debit cards because you’re uncomfortable with ATMs??

Abby

Labels: credit cards and cash