Beginner investor typing on phone
Beginner investor typing on phone
Beginner investor typing on phone

When to Use Credit vs. Debit

Do you know when it’s a good time to use a debit card versus a credit card? Is there a difference? If you’re just starting out on your financial journey or afraid of getting into debt trouble, you may be afraid of using a credit card to finance everyday expenses. On the other hand, you may have indulged your credit limit a little too much and now have to pay it off.

Do you know when it’s a good time to use a debit card versus a credit card? Is there a difference?

If you’re just starting out on your financial journey or afraid of getting into debt trouble, you may be afraid of using a credit card to finance everyday expenses. On the other hand, you may have indulged your credit limit a little too much and now have to pay it off.

Either way, it’s a good idea to understand exactly how to use your debit cards and credit cards. When used unwisely, they have the potential to land you in hot water. But when used to your advantage, they can be powerful financial tools that allow you to better manage your money and make the most of rewards and other benefits.

How Do Debit Cards Work?

A debit card is connected to your bank account and is an electronic stand-in for physical cash. Instead of withdrawing paper money from the bank, you can use a debit card to make purchases electronically with funds from your account.

You can only use a debit card when there is money in your bank balance. If you try to use the card when you have a low or negative balance, you may be charged an overdraft fee by your bank. Since a debit card uses funds you already have to make purchases, you aren’t charged any interest when you use this card.

How Do Credit Cards Work?

Credit cards don’t represent money you already have in the bank, they represent money you’re borrowing from a financial institution. Credit cards come with limits on the amount you can borrow, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If you don’t pay off your credit card each month, you’ll end up owing interest on the balance. This means credit cards can end up costing you, especially if you rack up a significant balance and aren’t able to pay it off promptly. That said, credit cards also often come with benefits for cardholders, including rewards points, cash back, travel perks, and more.

When should you use a credit card vs. a debit card?

If you’re looking to build a history of responsible borrowing and earn rewards or cash back on your purchases, it makes sense to use a credit card if you know you’ll have the money required to pay off the balance at the end of the month.

By putting purchases on a credit card and paying off the balance before it accumulates interest, you can take advantage of your credit card’s benefits with very few of the downsides. To maximize your earning potential and take advantage of luxury perks and benefits, there are plenty of high-tier rewards credit cards available. Keep in mind credit cards usually also come with an annual fee. On the other hand, simple, fee-free cards that earn a little extra on your purchases are also available, and usually without an annual fee.

Credit cards are also a great fit for online shopping since they often offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If someone steals your credit card information and tries to make a purchase using it, credit card companies will usually reimburse you for the expense when you file a claim. It may be more difficult to get your cash back if your debit card information is stolen.

That said, using a credit card for everyday purchases isn’t the best fit for everyone. If you rack up a significant balance, it can be difficult to afford monthly minimum payments and pay down your debt. It may also be easy to overspend using a credit card, even if you don’t have the cash on hand to pay it off.

If you’re worried about using a credit card responsibly while still building a history of good credit, you might want to consider a secured credit card, which requires a security deposit equal to the spending limit you receive. The security deposit protects the credit card company from losing money if you aren’t able to pay your bill.

Making your money work for you

One of the first steps toward financial freedom is to pay down any outstanding debts, including costly credit card debt. If you’re already on top of your credit card payments and are using your cards to take advantage of rewards and benefits without accumulating interest, you’re on the right track. After building up an emergency fund, you should consider investing additional savings to make your money work for you and grow your wealth.

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When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved