Template: Always Use Card

(Almost) never use cash—earn rewards instead

Your goal is to collect as many miles or points (or as much cash back) as you can. That means that once you choose the reward card that works best for you, you should use it whenever possible, rather than paying with cash, a debit card, or a check. Start putting everything on your cards, and your rewards will build up quickly.

• Every time you use cash, a check, or your bank card (when you could have used your credit card), you are missing out on reward points. Each individual transaction may not seem like much, but it adds up over time.
• Using a credit card (instead of cash) has some other benefits as well. You’ll have better records of your spending, build up your credit history, and make fewer trips to the ATM (paying less in ATM fees). In addition, your credit card will often give you some protection if something you buy breaks, is stolen, or even drops in price. Automatic Protection for the Things You Buy with Your Credit Card.
• While we strongly recommend using your credit card for as much of your spending as possible, you don’t have to take it to an extreme. If you are making a small purchase and paying cash will speed up the process for everyone, don’t worry about a few cents worth of points. If you are under the store’s minimum for taking credit cards, don’t make a fuss, just pay with cash.  And you usually don’t want to use your credit card with any business that will add an extra "convenience" fee.
• Many of the bills that you pay each month can be paid with a credit card, rather than with a check or automatic bank withdrawal. For example, pretty much every wireless and cable company accepts credit card payments, as do many utilities, insurance companies, and gyms. Go back over a few months of bank statements and see who you are paying on a regular basis. Then check which of these companies you can switch over to a credit card (without any extra fees).