Is this a war on cash or a war on privacy? Or both?

[two_bit_score]

I'm guessing that's AutoCorrect speech for 'evidently'. Ya know, 'puters make everything better, more exact and more efficient than people.

Really.

Glad you get the point. :thumbsup:

 

[Jstpssng]

Not to change the subject back to the original topic, but it's unbelievable how many people will swipe their card for a cup of coffee. I've seen store owners tell them to just take it, because "The bank would charge me more than I would make." Some places started having a minimum limit but that was determined to be illegal because "it forces poor people to spend more than they can afford."

 

[ultrarunner]

My credit union required 10 swipes a monthly billing cycle to keep in good graces... it was hard for me to do and I have no control over when it posts...

 

[Diggin It]

Not to change the subject back to the original topic, but it's unbelievable how many people will swipe their card for a cup of coffee. I've seen store owners tell them to just take it, because "The bank would charge me more than I would make." Some places started having a minimum limit but that was determined to be illegal because "it forces poor people to spend more than they can afford."

My credit union required 10 swipes a monthly billing cycle to keep in good graces... it was hard for me to do and I have no control over when it posts...

Which is just EXACTLY what I was coming here to post about. I've been shopping for a local bank or CU lately, in part because of possibly financing a SCUT purchase. I've been seeing something called Kasasa free/bonus checking. In order to qualify, you need to meet conditions each month, one of which is twelve swipes that require a signature. I rarely make twelve purchases a month including on-line purchases. When I use a card in-store, they don't always require a signature on small amounts. Lowes is under $25 for example -- they just print the receipt and you're done. There is NO way I could qualify each month, maybe not even once during most years.


I think that minimum to use a card was struck down too, but I can't recall when.

 

[ultrarunner]

Yep... seems counter intuitive for your credit union to encourage spending... I do get that the credit union makes money from each swipe.

Glad I switched to a credit union that doesn't have these hoops and pays decent on deposit and good rates for buying a home or vehicle.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I use a credit card for 99% of purchases. I would use it for a cup of coffee too. Why not? I keep some cash in my wallet for the farmer's market and fruit stands. And restaurants when I can see the waiters are jammed and I can save them some steps by putting out the price+tip in cash.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have a federal credit union, no strange limits or caps. Also USAA bank, also no limits or caps. Neither one has branches in California, doesn't matter with electronic transactions and ATMs. USAA reimburses the fees charged at other bank ATMs. I did get an account at the local Bank of The West, for the handful of times a year when I need a teller's help.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Nothing to do with (regulated) banks...but...
Yesterday I was in both a Tractor_Supply and a Harbor Freight store...both times when checking out I was asked for my phone #...what exactly were they going to do with my phone #?? I for sure don't want either of them calling me for any reason...so they must use it to get other information...from who do they get information they can use ??

When they asked my reply was "NO, I don't have a phone"...!

I have a Farm sales tax exemption on file with TSC. I give my phone # so that I don't have to pay tax on qualifying purchases.

Other than that, I suppose it's purely data mining.

 

[ultrarunner]

Tried to get set up with USAA as my military friends are really happy with them.

No luck... missed the window through Dad's service.

 

[Jstpssng]

I use a credit card for 99% of purchases. I would use it for a cup of coffee too. Why not? I keep some cash in my wallet for the farmer's market and fruit stands. And restaurants when I can see the waiters are jammed and I can save them some steps by putting out the price+tip in cash.

Every time that you swipe that card it costs the merchant money. As I stated previously swiping for that cup of coffee costs the store close to or more than he makes; a cost which he passes on to the rest of us.

I have a Farm sales tax exemption on file with TSC. I give my phone # so that I don't have to pay tax on qualifying purchases.

Other than that, I suppose it's purely data mining.

The only thing that I normally buy at TSC is dog food, because the brand I buy seems decent and is reasonably priced. Yesterday was the exception as I found a good deal on a much-needed pair of boots, and picked up a hose for my gas water pump.
Get to the register...

"Are you a member of our rewards program?"
"No"
"Would you like to sign up?"
"No"
Would you like to apply for a TSC Credit Card"
"No"
"Can I have your phone #"
"No"
"Can I have your zip code?"
By this point I wanted to say "What I would LIKE is to pay for my purchases so that I can get the H out of here, as I'm 200 miles from home and would like to spend some time visiting with my mother instead of yakking here."