It may seem old school to whip cash out of your wallet to pay for your purchases. But there are times when good-old greenbacks can actually be a better way to pay than tapping your credit card.
While credit can be a quick and convenient way to pay, using cash for many of your routine transactions can be more secure.
You may be rewarded for paying cash, like paying a lower price at the gas station or when you get take-out at a restaurant.
If you leave home with only the amount of money you need for the day in cash, your spending is likely to be more mindful and you may have a better chance of sticking to your budget.
There is less risk of identity theft or your information getting stolen when you pay with cash vs a debit or credit card.
Cash is a one-shot deal — the purchase you made won’t end up costing you a penny more. With credit and debit, however, you can end up paying additional charges down the line.
It can be a good idea to carry cash for small purchases. Many retailers have a minimum amount of money you must spend in order to use debit or credit.
Small businesses often offer discounts for cash payments, since it helps them save on bank fees.
You may have noticed that after you buy something with a credit or debit card, you often get hit with ads and offers for similar products.