The thread really needs to be retitled again "Which NEW card should I get for large spend" as opposed to which card (that I already have) do I use for large spend? Not all of us play the credit card churn game.
Originally Posted by
StartinSanDiego
I think the debit card or a Bank direct checking is the way to go. It's not much different than any other big, non-miles earning tab. I'm seeing the debit cards, the Citibank miles earning checking account, or the Bank Direct checking as a good way to earn some money on regular bills... mortgage, taxes, those kind of things without having to jump through the hoops of reloads, gift cards and the like. No, it's not x5, but it sure is easier. You can pay with a check like a normal person and nobody will learn of your addiction.
Personally, I've got enough financial accounts going that if I died tomorrow my family might never find it all-- or those dang passwords to access the accounts.
This is really a good subject for a new thread, we could call it "Which card to use for recurring payments?"
Putting aside the cards that give you bonuses for telecom spend, e.g. Chase, it is really a question of which provides the most miles/points for non-bonus categories.
However there is an additional element to consider and that is the hassle of switching all your autopayments when you card is compromised. I had 3 cards replaced last year (no losses, attempted fraud was detected quickly) and let me tell you it is a PITA to change your card # on roughly 8-12 periodic autopayments. After the second one I got smart and moved them all to a card that never leaves my house, in this case, one of our Chase Southwest cards. 1.67% rebate, which is better than 1% back but not as good as 2%+ that you might see if you are judicious about booking reward travel. But trust me, you don't want to use your everyday spend card for recurring payments, there is just too much attempted fraud and you don't have a choice when the bank decides to replace your card.
BTW, I would never ever use a debit card - the risk of having your account drained by a fraudulent transaction is too high. With credit cards you simply dispute the charge and let the bank justify its position. With debit cards, your account balance goes to zero until the bank decides to reverse the charge.