One very often discussed topics in personal finance discussion is whether to use a credit card or debit card. Here is how I handle my cards.

I have 4 credit cards Chase Freedom, American Express Gold, Citi Bank select platinum and Bank of America American Express platinum, also, I have BOF Visa Debit card. I seldom use debit card, as they do not give cash back or rewards. I did have ‘Auto Pay’ set up on all of credit cards where the entire monthly balance, what they call Total outstanding balance is deducted from my checking account, before they start accruing fees and interests. I do not have to remember to pay off the cards.

The other reason I keep 4 credit cards is I can build up my credit score by using them and paying the dues on time. When I first reached US, banks refused me to have any credit cards due to lack of credit history, I started with BofA secured card. Since then I applied for a new credit card each year. In 2005 I got my first secured card, 2006 got me my Citi card, 2007 I applied and got Chase Freedom. In 2008 I got an offer from BofA to convert secured card to BofA – American express credit card, which I gladly accepted.