A Reddit user recently posited that it’s better to use a credit card to make purchases than cash or debit cards. With a credit card, the poster wrote, you can enjoy cash back or rewards, which you don’t get with cash or debit cards.

Respondents were quick to point out that credit card usage isn’t so cut and dry for everyone. Sure, using a credit card works well for people who pay off the balance in full each month, but not everyone does that. And if they don’t, they might have to face interest and fees.

As we approach the spendy holiday shopping season, shoppers have to decide how to pay for their purchases. NerdWallet’s 2025 Holiday Spending Report found that nearly three-quarters of 2025 holiday shoppers (74%) plan to use credit cards for at least part of their gift shopping this yea

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