topic Re: Judged for using credit? in Credit Cards

Judged for using credit?

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:34:51 GMT

Has anyone here ever been judged for using credit cards to pay for everything?

For example, I have one friend who thought that I was deeply in debt because I was maximizing points by using different credit cards depending upon the merchant. One time she remarked, "If you need any money, don't be afraid to ask me to help you out. I always see you paying with different credit cards, so I assume that they're maxed out. It's okay to admit that you're in debt." I was taken aback, I politely declined her help, and I explained to her that I just prefer to use credit cards over cash or a debit card. She replied, "Well, a debit card is good enough for me. I don't want to get into debt."

Another example: I went into Peet's Coffee during a trip to California, and I paid for my drink with, of course, a credit card. The cashier said to me, "Don't you carry cash? That's not a good idea." Why did she feel the need to say this? I mean, I'm still paying for my drink, albeit the merchant is losing a few cents due to swipe fees.

Does anyone out there have any similar experiences? I would love to hear them!

Re: Judged for using credit?

Skye12329 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:45:25 GMT

Yeah my friend somewhat judges me because i also love earning all the cashback. She has a Chase Freedom but never uses it, she always uses her debit card.

My sister also thinks credit is bad, which she thinks credit leads to debt also. She hasnt learned that as long as you use it wisely or for an emergency its ok. Credit doesnt lead to debt only if you dont use it responsibly.

Re: Judged for using credit?

red259 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:50:32 GMT

I have never had someone judge me that way, but a lot of people believe credit cards are bad and its better to use debit. It is mainly because they do not understand how credit cards really work The whole idea that if you want to save money you need to cut your credit cards up. Of course, there are some people out there who just can't help but spend money and run up their credit cards on things they don't need. Those types of people shouldn't have credit cards.

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:53:13 GMT

@red259 wrote:
I have never had someone judge me that way, but a lot of people believe credit cards are bad and its better to use debit. It is mainly because they do not understand how credit cards really work The whole idea that if you want to save money you need to cut your credit cards up. Of course, there are some people out there who just can't help but spend money and run up their credit cards on things they don't need. Those types of people shouldn't have credit cards.

I sort of had conversation with an friend of mine about credit cards. He doesn't quite understand why i have so many card for different purposes. He was like are you laundering money with all those cards lol. He just doesn't believe in cash back or rewards CC, the only cc he would ever want to get is low apr or maybe an BT card.

Re: Judged for using credit?

signaturecardmember — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:00:35 GMT

Lots of uneducated people out there on CCs. I am glad I found this forum and if it wasnt for the rewards I would still be using debit day to day.

Re: Judged for using credit?

red259 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:01:11 GMT

@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
I have never had someone judge me that way, but a lot of people believe credit cards are bad and its better to use debit. It is mainly because they do not understand how credit cards really work The whole idea that if you want to save money you need to cut your credit cards up. Of course, there are some people out there who just can't help but spend money and run up their credit cards on things they don't need. Those types of people shouldn't have credit cards.
I sort of had conversation with an friend of mine about credit cards. He doesn't quite understand why i have so many card for different purposes. He was like are you laundering money with all those cards lol. He just doesn't believe in cash back or rewards CC, the only cc he would ever want to get is low apr or maybe an BT card.

My ex-girlfriend started laughing one day when I had to go into my wallet to get something and she saw all the cards in there. Honestly most people don't want to go through all the effort to earn points and learn about bonus categories etc. The main reason I do it is because I enjoy it (in a close second is the fact I like the rewards and I want to build my credit profile), but I'm not sure its worth all the effort if you do not enjoy it.

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:01:46 GMT

@signaturecardmember wrote:
Lots of uneducated people out there on CCs. I am glad I found this forum and if it wasnt for the rewards I would still be using debit day to day.

why not get something back for stuff you are going to buy already :-) I didn't know about shopping portals for an long time , i didnt know what i was missing lol

Re: Judged for using credit?

red259 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:05:02 GMT

@mongstradamus wrote:
@signaturecardmember wrote:
Lots of uneducated people out there on CCs. I am glad I found this forum and if it wasnt for the rewards I would still be using debit day to day.
why not get something back for stuff you are going to buy already :-) I didn't know about shopping portals for an long time , i didnt know what i was missing lol

My ex thanked me the other day for the miles she started earning through united dining. She got like 500 miles without even realizing it. I got her to do it because it was simple and did not require any effort other than signing up. Now she just earns miles without even trying. I think most people tend to be the same way. If you make it easy for them they will do it. If it requires effort than not so much.

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:06:33 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
I have never had someone judge me that way, but a lot of people believe credit cards are bad and its better to use debit. It is mainly because they do not understand how credit cards really work The whole idea that if you want to save money you need to cut your credit cards up. Of course, there are some people out there who just can't help but spend money and run up their credit cards on things they don't need. Those types of people shouldn't have credit cards.
I sort of had conversation with an friend of mine about credit cards. He doesn't quite understand why i have so many card for different purposes. He was like are you laundering money with all those cards lol. He just doesn't believe in cash back or rewards CC, the only cc he would ever want to get is low apr or maybe an BT card.
My ex-girlfriend started laughing one day when I had to go into my wallet to get something and she saw all the cards in there. Honestly most people don't want to go through all the effort to earn points and learn about bonus categories etc. The main reason I do it is because I enjoy it (in a close second is the fact I like the rewards and I want to build my credit profile), but I'm not sure its worth all the effort if you do not enjoy it.

I originally tried to fix my credit so in case i ever wanted to find a job in financial sector , it would probably would be an bit easier in that respect. Also i wanted to get best rates for next time i need an auto loan.

Now its more about maximizing rewards. In general though getting something back for spending money is better than getting nothing, which is what happens when you use debit card in most instances.

Re: Judged for using credit?

linux007969 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:06:37 GMT

A few at work freak out when i talk about my credi cards cuz they are so shocked of me having so many and so much credit, The rest are happy and know i am so smart with finance.

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:07:29 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@signaturecardmember wrote:
Lots of uneducated people out there on CCs. I am glad I found this forum and if it wasnt for the rewards I would still be using debit day to day.
why not get something back for stuff you are going to buy already :-) I didn't know about shopping portals for an long time , i didnt know what i was missing lol
My ex thanked me the other day for the miles she started earning through united dining. She got like 500 miles without even realizing it. I got her to do it because it was simple and did not require any effort other than signing up. Now she just earns miles without even trying. I think most people tend to be the same way. If you make it easy for them they will do it. If it requires effort than not so much.

I think if you show them what they can get from using cards to pay, and reaping the travel rewards with it , makes it an whole lot easier for them to digest.

Re: Judged for using credit?

Exonumist — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:37:37 GMT

I get a little bit of that from some friends. Other friends are very curious and want to know more, but never actually do anything. My family thinks it's hilarious how much money and free travel I get for just using credit cards. Every once in a while it seems like a cashier gives me a weird look or makes a comment when I use them on something like a soda. Other times I've ran into cashiers that know about the card and comment on the rewards lol. I don't really care what people think. I know what I'm doing and it works for me.

Re: Judged for using credit?

B335is — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:50:16 GMT

A few years back when I was working on rebuilding my credit, one of my coworkers was going on and on about Discover. He had 3 cards total, but swore by Discover. He mentioned charging everything possible to it and I remember thinking he was crazy. That actually led me to this board and educating myself on how credit really works. I'm glad I had that discussion, he will probably never know how much of an impact it had on me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago while I was at Home Goods with another friend. Of course I app'd for the TJX card and her first comment was "aren't you worried about ruining your credit?" I laughed for a minute and we had a nice talk

Re: Judged for using credit?

taxi818 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 21:00:23 GMT

You have to remember that is old way of thinking. They feel you are getting in a hole. However. Your fico comrades. We all know this is best way. Use banks instead of them using you.

I max out yes. Should be answer. All the benefits and freebies I can get. Reward points. Dollars. And even free bonus sign ups. If they can't understand then. Ooh well

Re: Judged for using credit?

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:47:19 GMT

I do have some friends/coworkers I know who do make remarks about my credit card usage, but I pretty much ignore their financial advice. If they really knew any about finances-they wouldn't be living paycheck to paycheck(and I know some of them live paycheck to paycheck because they complain loudly when their direct deposit is delayed because of holidays, technical difficulties, etc. I don't even pay attention to when my direct deposit hits... even if I goofed and maxed out my cards- I could pay them all off within a week.

Re: Judged for using credit?

Closingracer99 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:51:13 GMT

@mongstradamus wrote:
@signaturecardmember wrote:
Lots of uneducated people out there on CCs. I am glad I found this forum and if it wasnt for the rewards I would still be using debit day to day.
why not get something back for stuff you are going to buy already :-) I didn't know about shopping portals for an long time , i didnt know what i was missing lol

Ask David Ramsey

I was watching one video and the guy said he was earning about $400 a year in CB from a credit card and Ramsey basically said Credit cards are worthless for $400 in CB

Re: Judged for using credit?

Closingracer99 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:55:28 GMT

I really want to just go to a Diner or someplace with Waiter service just so i can whip out my CSP and maybe the Marriott cards lol just to see if i get a reaction

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:02:06 GMT

@Closingracer99 wrote:
I really want to just go to a Diner or someplace with Waiter service just so i can whip out my CSP and maybe the Marriott cards lol just to see if i get a reaction

I goto diners all the time and i don't get any comments on using csp. I goto smoothie place and five guys where its mostly high school kids they don't say an word lol

Re: Judged for using credit?

Closingracer99 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:03:46 GMT

@mongstradamus wrote:
@Closingracer99 wrote:
I really want to just go to a Diner or someplace with Waiter service just so i can whip out my CSP and maybe the Marriott cards lol just to see if i get a reaction
I goto diners all the time and i don't get any comments on using csp. I goto smoothie place and five guys where its mostly high school kids they don't say an word lol

I can still Hope

Re: Judged for using credit?

mongstradamus — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:05:57 GMT

@Closingracer99 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Closingracer99 wrote:
I really want to just go to a Diner or someplace with Waiter service just so i can whip out my CSP and maybe the Marriott cards lol just to see if i get a reaction
I goto diners all the time and i don't get any comments on using csp. I goto smoothie place and five guys where its mostly high school kids they don't say an word lol
I can still Hope

The only thing i do notice an lot of people doing is looking at the back since there are no numbers on the front of the card.