is it true that most americans use credit cards to pay the bill? and if so, why?

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Originally Posted by Inferno You just don't relate to my sense of humor. How about this. Gosh darn funny man living in a whale. doncha know that gawd could do that I betcha he could. wink wink.

Some do. And it's an easy trap to fall into. If your lights are about to be turned off and this weeks paycheck wont keep them on. Credit card companies are true vultures. They dangle easy cash in front of you hoping you won't worry about their high interest rates. There not at total fault, though. Self accountability on the part of the consumer needs to improve, too.

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In europe credit cards are not used very often. Most people (if not all) use debit cards (i think this is the right term, a card which let's you pay from your bank account, atm card). Credit cards are hardly ever used because the ease of such a atm card is in many instances greater then a credit card.

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Originally Posted by Inferno You just don't relate to my sense of humor. How about this. Gosh darn funny man living in a whale. doncha know that gawd could do that I betcha he could. wink wink.

What Bill?

A credit card, used properly, is by far the most convenient and cost effect way of paying for expenses. Set up an auto payment from your bank account and clear what you owe before due date. Perfect. In the meantime, you can get up to 55 days free credit! God, I love interest free credit!! Yum yum.

99% of hotels require you to produce a card upon checking in, rental car companies etc - lots of places want this insurance.

AND you get to add to your Frequent Flyer programme.

One or two cards with decent limits, pay on time. Way to go.

I always carry cash! Depends where I am, but man I love to barter. Cash sings!!

Most bills (business and personal)I settle via internet banking. More Magic Ain't life a breeeeeze ...

I guess it's just different in America then in Europe. Paying with creditcard is a hassle. Most shops won't even accept the creditcard. Just the same as cheque.
as with auto payment? i don't have to, my bank automaticly pays the bill for me. But i really only have a credit card for online payment. As soon as i can get rid of that i will get rid of my credit card.

There's not many places in the world that don't accept Visa or Mastercard or Amex. I don't remember this being a hassle in the states, either.

I was astounded all the time I was in the UK. They will take a cheque from anyone!!! More trusting than me. NZ has the highest ratio of Electronic Funds Transfer At Point of Sale (EFTPOS) transactions in the world. They're crazy. They swipe cash cards for $2 bus fares. Australia is almost as bad. I still like the folding stuff, myself

There is a difference between credit cards and a atm card. In europe, the atm card (debit, your bank card) will be accepted nearly everywhere (look at the cirrus logo) however, credit cards... last time i was in italy, they refused my credit card with signature. I needed a pin code, which i had to ask for against a plus charge.