Credit Card Carry

[dudley]

Hello again.

I have only three credit cards: Amex blue cash preferred , Citi double cash, and Chase freedom unlimited. I have use for all of them. All of my autopays (6) are on Citi double cash, plus I use it for some purchases for 2%. I use Chase for dining and also for purchases that I need  chase benefits like extended warranty (I don't trust Citi for these purchases). I use Amex BCP for groceries and gas. Should I carry all three on my person or leave one at home in case I lose my wallet? What do others do?

[odd_dog]

digital wallet and I just carry one card in case I need an actual physical card.

[dahx]

Amex BCP has extended warranty as well - I would trust them over Chase ( I believe is handled by Visa ).

[Ushio]

I carry all my cards in a digital wallet. I don't carry anything physically.

[dudley]

Forgot to mention that I do not do 'digital.' I only do physical (i.e., hold in your hand) credit cards.

[Vinjints]

It's a great idea and makes better use of the term 'sock drawer.' My Chase Prime is left at home since it's an Amazon shopping card, but added to the digital wallet for any Chase offers. If the DC is for autospends, you could move your other swipes to the CFU, only lose 0.5% and have some peace of mind that you have a backup card at a different location. I do like that your setup gives you three different networks on hand, though.

[unsungivy]

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@dudley wrote:

Forgot to mention that I do not do 'digital.' I only do physical (i.e., hold in your hand) credit cards.

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Oof. Why? Carrying the physical cards is definitely riskier. Most digital wallets assign temp numbers for most of your cards, and they're safe without needing an RFID blocking card in your wallet.

I do carry a catch-all card and restaurant card (because that's the most likely situation in which you would hand off your card to someone) physically; I have an EV, so I don't need a gas card for swipe-only situations.

In your case, either carry the BCP+CFU and leave the DC at home, or all of them 🤷‍♀️ I had my parents using BCP/CFU for a number of years; not getting half a percent back is minimal enough to not worry about carrying a third card. If it was me, I'd have the DC on the digital wallet for the rare times you need the "other" category.

Very very little falls outside of the big three for me that I buy in person rather than online, so I almost never find myself having to use a catch-all card, be it digital or physical.

[ktm]

you didn't say what you use your Double Cash for, so maybe you don't need it when leave home, but if you need it - carry it. I know you said you don't do digital, BUT for lost wallet backup, are you OK with adding your cards to your digital wallet - not to use regularly but just in case you lose your physical wallet? That way if you lose your physical wallet, you can switch to your digital wallet. An advantage of this is that when you cancel your lost cards, your new numbers are automatically updated in your digital wallet and are available for immediate use.

[dfwxjer]

I keep several on me because my area doesn't always have Apple Pay available. 

CSR - my main restaurant card which is the biggest reason I need a physical card on hand

Amex Plat - for airport lounge access since it's easier to just hand them the card

BCP - local grocery store doesn't offer Apple Pay

BofA  - back up just in case 

I keep all of my cards in my Apple Wallet but relying on digital 100% isn't feasible for me yet. I'm sure once I can go full digital I'll still carry a card or two with me just in case. I can unlock/start my BMW with my phone but I still carry the fob around as well. I'm old so relying on my phone 100% is a hard sell. 

[dudley]

Thanks for all of your suggestions; I really appreciate it.