"Credit cards typically offer better cash back or rewards (than debit cards), but also typically come with high interest rates and annual fees," Walsh says. Also, because credit card activity is reported to the credit bureaus, missing payments or accumulating a high balance could harm your credit score.
Purchases made using a credit card are safer as compared to debit card. This is because any fraudulent transaction made using your debit card leads to funds being deducted directly from your own bank account. Also, debit cards don't come with protection against fraud.
Credit cards are safer to carry than cash and offer stronger fraud protections than debit. You can earn significant rewards without changing your spending habits. It's easier to track your spending. Responsible credit card use is one of the easiest and fastest ways to build credit.
Disadvantages of using credit cards
Encouraging impulsive and unnecessary “wanted” purchases. High-interest rates if not paid in full by the due date. Annual fees for some credit cards – can become expensive over the years. Fee charged for late payments.
Credit cards are generally recommended for specific purchases, often ones with a bigger price tag. You should also use your credit card for purchases that will earn you rewards. If you're making a purchase in one of the following categories, using a credit card is usually your best option.
You don't build credit with a debit card
A debit card draws money directly from your checking account when you make a purchase, which means that the transaction ends there. Nothing is reported to the credit bureaus and nothing shows up on your credit report, good or bad.
Credit cards can help you improve your credit score, but only if you use them responsibly. Your payment history and borrowing amount are the two biggest factors in your credit score. Secured credit cards are an option for borrowers with a poor credit history.
Paying off credit card debt as quickly as possible will save you money in interest but also help keep your credit in good shape.
In general, you should plan to use your card every six months. However, if you want to be extra safe, aim for every three. Some card issuers will explicitly state in the card agreement what length of time is considered to be inactive.
Be aware of any convenience fees you'll incur by paying your bills with credit cards. It's best to use credit only for products and services that won't charge a fee, and using cash, debit or bank transfer for the rest. And, of course, use a credit card only if you know you can pay off the balance each month.
It's Best to Pay Your Credit Card Balance in Full Each Month
Leaving a balance will not help your credit scores—it will just cost you money in the form of interest. Carrying a high balance on your credit cards has a negative impact on scores because it increases your credit utilization ratio.
But this is a damaging myth: lenders and banks don't see this as a sign of active use or creditworthiness, and carrying a balance doesn't help your credit score. In fact, it increases your debt through interest charges and can hurt your credit score if your total card balances are over 30% of your total credit limits.
Using a large portion of your credit limit—or having a high utilization ratio—can hurt your scores, while using a small portion is best for your scores. For this reason, using your credit card to make a large purchase could hurt your credit if it increases your credit utilization ratio.
Your payment history is one of the biggest factors that contribute to your credit scores, so missing payments can have a serious impact on your credit. Also, if you miss a payment, you'll typically be charged a late fee. A penalty APR may be applied to your account as well.
When used responsibly, credit cards allow you to earn cash or other rewards for the things you buy every day. Plus, they can be valuable budgeting tools that let you easily see where your money goes each month and make any necessary adjustments. That's why some people use their credit cards for all transactions.
A debit card is better for cash withdrawals and helps to avoid overspending and debt. For cash withdrawals at ATMs, your debit card is the best option. You'll keep fees at a minimum, and your card information is unlikely to get stolen if you stick to safe ATMs.
Debit cards don't offer purchase protections or other beneficial perks. Many credit cards include useful benefits such as extended warranty coverage and return protection. It makes a lot of sense to use a credit card for your everyday purchase needs. It may be time for you to ditch the debit card and get a credit card.
If you haven't used a card for a long period, it generally will not hurt your credit score. However, if a lender notices your inactivity and decides to close the account, it can cause your score to slip.
Using a credit card is much safer than using a debit card, however. To reiterate, if you lose your card or someone steals it, you only pay $50 in liability fees. If the same thing happens to your debit card, you are fully responsible for all fraud if you do not report the problem within 60 days.