Skip to Content

I Committed A Cardinal Sin

On Sunday I committed a cardinal sin…

…in the miles and points community…I used cash to pay for my purchases at Costco.

And it wasn’t even cash that I had withdrawn from my Bluebird, MyVanillaDebit, or American Express for Target; it was cash that I had in my purse.

I could hear the wailing and gnashing of teeth as I handed over the cash.  Of course, that could have been my own.

Why didn’t someone in line ask if they could pay for my purchases with their credit card? (Read my post Extreme Mile and Point Collecting for details.)

I can see you smacking your palm against your forehead and thinking, “What kind of travel hacking moron doesn’t have at least one AMEX in her purse?”

One that’s only been home for five days since her last trip and is getting ready to leave for yet another trip.

Thank God I was only picking up a few items as normally I only carry $20 in cash.  Thankfully, I still had cash left over from my previous trip.

But this brings to mind a question: do you carry all your credit cards in your wallet or just the ones you think you’ll need?

Whether it’s at home or when traveling, I only carry the cards I’m going to need for that day or trip. I leave the others stashed in the sock drawer and swap cards if I need a different one the next day or trip.

I’m sure many of you leave most of your credit cards at home when traveling, but I’m curious to know if you do the same while at home?  How many credit cards do you carry in your wallet at a given time?

Want to get more travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Sign up via the subscription links below. To receive post updates by email, please use the box below.

You can also follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook.

 

Traveling Well For Less has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.


You can earn 75,000 points from all three personal Southwest cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card, card_name, and card_name when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.


Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card is one of the easiest ways to travel more and spend less.  You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 4 upgraded boarding each year, 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners , $75 yearly Southwest credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
 

card_name

The is an easy way to fly free.  You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners, and no foreign transaction fees.
 

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply


card_name

The card_name is the least expensive way to earn a Companion Pass from a credit card.  You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning the 2 EarlyBird Check-ins every year, 2X points on Southwest purchases, internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners, and the lowest annual fee among all the Southwest credit cards .
 

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply


card_name

card_name is the best card to get started in the world of miles and points. It is the first card you should get to start traveling for free because the welcome offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 5X points on travel when booked through the Chase portal (2X if direct purchase), 3X points on dining, $50 yearly credit on hotels booked through the Chase portal, no foreign transaction fees, and transferring points to 13 airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest.
 

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply


card_name

The card_name is one of my favorite cards for earning cash back card and travel rewards. It offers a welcome offer of unlimited matched cash back on all your purchases your first year.
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants (including delivery and takeout), 1.5% cash back on all other purchases and no annual fee. When paired with cards like the card_name, you can use your points to travel for free.
 

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Plush Adventures

Tuesday 28th of May 2013

Easy fix. If you go to customer service, they will do a quick refund and then recharge to another card.

Debbie Schroeder

Wednesday 29th of May 2013

Hi Plush Adventures,

Great idea. I'll bring my receipt next time I go and see if they will return and recharge.

TravelBloggerBuzz

Monday 27th of May 2013

OMG, you did what??? I think this needs to be brought up at the next F2B Quality Control Peer Review meeting pronto! Not only a sin...it should be considered a felony!!! :-)

Traveling Well For Less

Tuesday 28th of May 2013

Hi TravelBloggerBuzz,

I sure hope not...I don't look good in orange or stripes.Maybe I could just pay a fine...with a Bluebird check.

dotti cahill

Monday 27th of May 2013

it depends on whether i am going international --then i only bring the 2 cards tat do not have foreign transaction fees

Traveling Well For Less

Monday 27th of May 2013

Hi Dotti,

I'm with you - less cards when traveling, reduces liability. :)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.