I have a real bugaboo about businesses tacking on a credit card surcharge. Undoubtedly, the businesses who do not, are including it in the price of whatever they are selling. But, since that is not so obvious, it does not stick in my craw quite as much. I personally think the credit card companies are out of control, but I seriously doubt that is going to change. I had an opportunity to work a programming contract for one of the major credit card companies many years ago, but declined the opportunity as I see much of what they are doing, while legal, as being borderline unethical.
To get back on subject… So, what I do is about once a month is to go by the bank and get a pile of fifties (the new twenties, I have been calling them). I use this cash at small businesses, mainly golf courses and local restaurants.
I have done this so much at my favorite golf course, that it is a bit of a joke with some of the guys who have been working there a long time, when, once again, I hand them a fifty. Thankfully, at least for the moment, the fifty covers the green fee and cart with some change coming back.
I knew I was getting low on cash in my wallet and needed to go by the bank. As I was getting out of the house a bit late, I did not have time to do so. If I had been less hurried, I might have remembered to get some cash from my emergency reserve before I left, but I did not.
Arriving at the course, I went inside to pay my green fee. When I handed my debit card to Doug, he became almost apoplectic, having never seen me pull one out before.
I explained that I had not had time to go by the bank. I further remarked that I could have borrowed some cash from my wife, but she always charges me interest in inches. I went on to explain that at this point in our matrimony, I am so far in arrears with her that it feels like a payday loan I will never be able to repay. Although, I will have to admit to not minding being in arrears in this case.
I did go by the bank today to make sure I had some cash.
And so it goes.