[Sophia M.]

General Discussion Thread 09.13.2025​

Hey, GrayViners!

Pull up a chair and let’s kick off another cozy debate. We love hearing your takes on the little choices that shape everyday life—so here’s today’s spending showdown:

When it’s time to pay, would you rather reach for cash or card?

Image source: AARP

No mixing it up—just one trusty payment method for life.

Cash has that old-school charm—tangible, budget-friendly, and no tech required. But cards? They’re convenient, trackable, and often come with rewards.

So, which team are you on? Is it about habits, security, convenience, or just what feels right in your hand at checkout?

Make your case. Defend your payment style!

May your wallets be full and your debates even richer,
Sophia

 

[mmarple]

I never carry cash. I always pay with a debit card. Cash can be stolen
If my debit card gets stolen I can immediately cancel it.

 

[DalCee]

Both... I get some cash from my $$$ so I have enough to pay bills... Depends upon whether I have enough cash --- if not ... then the Boxer on my credit card - Discover

 

[GaryBlake]

I use my debit card almost exclusively. The exception being the ticket for entrance to my granddaughter's volleyball games. It's $6, and they only take cash.

 

[senior71]

Card. If I have cash, it's in my wallet for months before I need it. I just
never need cash.

 

[GVKarianne2145]

I’d rather pay with a card then I have a record of my purchases and it’s easier to return!

 

[NIBOR0]

I use the card unless I have to go to the hospital (weekly) to get fluid drained off. I park in valet parking and always give those guys a couple of dollars for a tip.

 

[Wiseoldone]

Depends sometimes cash farmers market garage sales card when store shopping

 

[Capaten1]

I still love cash, my daughter keeps laughing at me, saying I should use credit cards, I do have a couple that I use for big purchases
but when it’s groceries, gas, or haircuts, cash is king. Besides, if I don’t have it, I can’t spend it.

 

[Gayle B.]

We use both. We can’t get out to the stores in person. Groceries and other things get delivered which requires a card. When we send out for something like a pizza we use cash. We don’t keep much of cash in our house, though. It’s what works best for us these days. It’s our reality.

 

[Shirley S.]

For something under $20 I would rather pay cash since there are extra charges when you use a credit card at high rates.

 

[Arkie98]

I use some cash but as a rule use my debit card. Not wise to carry alot of cash on you.

 

[Hazeleyes]

I mostly pay with credit card.

 

[Sophia M.]

I never carry cash. I always pay with a debit card. Cash can be stolen
If my debit card gets stolen I can immediately cancel it.

That’s a solid point! canceling a card really is just a quick call away, while cash is gone for good if it’s lost. Do you ever miss having a few bills on hand for those odd situations, like a tip or a small purchase?

 

[Sophia M.]

Both... I get some cash from my $$$ so I have enough to pay bills... Depends upon whether I have enough cash --- if not ... then the Boxer on my credit card - Discover

Sounds like you’ve got the best of both worlds! Cash for those everyday needs, and a card as backup. Curious, do you find you end up reaching for one more often than the other?

 

[Sophia M.]

I use my debit card almost exclusively. The exception being the ticket for entrance to my granddaughter's volleyball games. It's $6, and they only take cash.

That’s such a relatable exception, school events still keeping cash alive! Do you stash a few bills just for those volleyball games, or is it always a last-minute scramble?

 

[Sophia M.]

Card. If I have cash, it's in my wallet for months before I need it. I just
never need cash.

It’s easy to see why cards have become the go-to. Cash just doesn’t get much use anymore for a lot of us.

 

[Sophia M.]

I’d rather pay with a card then I have a record of my purchases and it’s easier to return!

That’s a great benefit of cards. Having a record really does make things easier to manage.

 

[Sophia M.]

I use the card unless I have to go to the hospital (weekly) to get fluid drained off. I park in valet parking and always give those guys a couple of dollars for a tip.

That’s thoughtful of you. Those little cash tips really show some things are still best handled in person.

 

[Sophia M.]

Depends sometimes cash farmers market garage sales card when store shopping

That makes sense. Markets and garage sales still lean on cash, while cards cover most shopping.