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Despite the saying, “cash is king,” there are pros and cons to using cash over credit cards in everyday transactions. Likewise, credit cards have their own share of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to making purchases.

Here’s what you need to consider when choosing cash vs. credit cards, and when you might opt for using one method of payment over the other.

Defining Cash and Credit Cards

Cash is the legal tender — whether coins, paper bills, or other notes — that you can exchange for goods and services. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, cash is considered “ready money.” Translation: You actually own the value of the cash and can use it immediately during a transaction.

Credit cards, on the other hand, can also be used to purchase goods and services. However, you’re borrowing the funds from a third party (i.e. a bank) to make your purchase today with the promise that you’ll pay the credit card balance back later.

When to Consider Using Cash

Deciding whether to use cash vs. credit depends on your purchasing situation and preferences. Situations when paying with cash is preferred might include:

•  Buying goods or services from merchants who only accept cash

•  When your credit or income doesn’t qualify for a credit card

•  Limiting your spending to a specific amount

•  Keeping your personal information private during a transaction

•  Avoiding credit card-related fees

•  Avoiding credit card debt

You can also use cash to grow your money through an interest-bearing deposit account, instead of spending it. If you’d like to build your savings fund, you can only do so using cash.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest on a Credit Card

Benefits of Using Cash

Here are some benefits of using a credit card:

•  Since cash represents the monetary value you actually have, it makes budgeting simple. If you have $100 in cash to spend for the weekend, for instance, you’re focused on making careful decisions about how you spend that finite cash amount. After you’ve depleted your cash, you can’t make additional purchases until you have more cash.

•  Cash provides some convenience despite its additional physical bulkiness in your wallet. 

•  For merchants, the benefit of cash vs. credit cards is that they save money on credit card processing fees. To avoid this, some merchants only accept cash payments, while others offer a small discount as an incentive for customers to pay using cash.

•  Cash can also be used widely by any consumer, regardless of their credit score. This makes cash a more accessible payment method for everyday purchases. 

•  Cash also doesn’t contain any of your personal data, so if a private purchase is important to you, cash is beneficial.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Drawbacks of Using Cash

Here, some downsides of using cash:

•  The biggest drawback to using cash vs. credit, however, is that it caps your buying power to only the amount of cash you have. Although this can be a benefit, as mentioned above, when you’re on a budget, it can restrict your ability to make larger purchases today.

For example, if your car unexpectedly needs a repair that costs $800 but you only have $500 in cash to pay upfront, you’ll have to make a tough decision. You might be forced to shop around for a cheaper car repair shop, spend time negotiating a lower price with the current mechanic, or possibly wait to complete the repair until you have the additional funds necessary. All of this can cost you extra time and can possibly impact your earnings if you rely on your car to drive to work.

•  Physical cash is harder to trace between transactions. Your personal information isn’t tied to cash bills in your pocket. This means that if you lose it or it gets stolen and it’s used by someone else, it’s harder to get back.

When You Might Consider Using a Credit Card

There are many use cases for credit cards, if you qualify for one. Some situations when a credit card might make sense include:

•  Making a larger purchase now and paying it off later

•  Breaking down a large purchase into smaller installment payments

•  Earning points, miles, or cash back on purchases using a rewards credit card

•  Unlocking additional purchase protections

•  Building your credit profile

Recommended: What Is a Credit Card Advance?

Benefits of Using a Credit Card

Using a credit card as a payment method for daily transactions offers various benefits when managed responsibly. 

•  If you don’t have enough cash for a purchase, a credit card lets you buy it now and pay it back the following month.

•  You can also choose to take out a credit card cash advance (though typically at a higher APR,or annual percentage rate, than your standard purchase APR), or even send money with a credit card.

•  With a credit card, you get to choose how you’ll repay your purchases, whether in full when your billing statement is due, or incrementally over multiple months. The caveat is that letting a balance roll over to the next month incurs interest charges.

•  Since all credit card activity is reported to the credit bureaus, on-time payments and other factors can be favorable to building your credit history and credit score. A high credit score can help you qualify for competitive interest rates and terms on other consumer credit products, like other credit cards and loans.

•  Credit cards also offer benefits and rewards that cash doesn’t provide. Rewards credit cards let you earn points or miles that you can then redeem for travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise, special experiences, and more.

Different credit cards can also offer benefits like travel cancellation protection, warranty insurance, and more. For example, some cards feature purchase protection, which replaces an item that was lost, stolen, or damaged if it was purchased using the card.

•  Using a credit card limits your liability when unauthorized or fraudulent purchases or activity occurs on your account. Depending on when you report the unusual activity, you might only be liable for up to $50 of those charges. Some credit cards even have zero-liability policies.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card

Here are some downsides to using a credit card:

•  Interest charges, expressed as an APR, are one of the biggest disadvantages to using credit vs. cash. With how credit card payments work, unless you make full, on-time credit card payments each month, interest charges will likely apply to balances that roll over from one month to the next.

If you roll over a balance, you’ll not only pay more money toward your purchases, but your outstanding debt can snowball quickly. This can prove financially damaging to your everyday finances and to your credit if you fall behind on payments while amassing growing debt.

•  Certain credit cards also incur annual fees for the privilege of using them. This is money that you’ll pay out-of-pocket upfront. You can also incur other fees, such as foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, balance transfer fees, and more.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Is Using a Debit Card the Same Thing as Using Cash?

Using a debit card is similar to using cash. In fact, one of the biggest differences between a credit card and debit card is that debit cards draw funds from the cash that you already have in your personal checking or savings account. Still, a debit card provides the convenience of swiping or tapping a card on a payment processing machine, like a credit card, to process a digital transaction between your bank and the merchant’s bank.

However, debit cards carry many of the same disadvantages as cash. For one, a debit card limits your purchasing power to the amount that’s in your checking or savings account. Additionally, debit cards don’t offer the same level of protection against unauthorized or fraudulent activity as credit cards do.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Understanding Your Spending Habits Is Key to Picking Which to Use

Taking stock of your buying habits can help you decide whether cash vs. credit is a better option for you. When considering these two payment options, think about the following:

•  How much do you spend each month?

•  How much discretionary income do you have?

•  Where do you typically make purchases — online or in a brick-and-mortar store?

•  Do you tend to overspend or stay within a budget that you can afford?

•  If you’re thinking about a credit card, what’s your goal?

By answering these questions, you will likely be able to tell which payment method will be more convenient for you. For instance, if you’re trying to curb your spending, then cash might be the better bet, given how credit cards work. On the other hand, if you’re primarily an online shopper or you’re trying to build your credit history, a credit card could be worth exploring.

The Takeaway

Cash can help you contain your spending to the money you actually own. This can potentially limit the amount of debt you’d take on through credit. It can also offer convenience when it comes to shopping through cash-only merchants. The caveat is the risk you’re taking on if the cash is lost or stolen since it can be difficult to get back.

Credit cards can offer greater protection against unauthorized activity, and they can enhance your spending power. However, access to borrowed funds could get you deeper into debt if you’re unable to repay your balance on time each month. With responsible borrowing habits, however, credit cards can be a handy way to make purchases and may offer rewards, like cash back.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Which is better when traveling, cash or credit?

When traveling, credit cards are typically a safer option to carry than cash. It can be difficult and near impossible to trace and verify whether lost or stolen cash belongs to you. If a credit card is lost or stolen, the card issuer can freeze new transactions on the account, and your maximum liability for fraudulent charges can be $50 or nothing at all.

Are credit cards safer than cash?

Yes, credit cards can be safer than cash. Credit cards typically reduce your liability in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent activity.

What is the difference between cash and credit cards?

Cash is a physical currency and liquid asset that provides you with purchasing power. When you use cash toward a purchase, you don’t owe that amount to another entity. Conversely, a credit card is a physical tool that lets you increase your purchasing power using borrowed money. You’ll need to repay purchases made to your credit card, possibly plus interest charges.

Cash or credit, which is more convenient?

Whether cash or credit is more convenient is subjective. For example, while many merchants accept credit cards, some only accept cash payments. However, as more businesses accept digital payments and transition to cashless transactions, a credit card might be more convenient.

Photo credit: iStock/Ridofranz

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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The average credit card annual percentage rates (APR) topped 21% as of the middle of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve. It’s no wonder that savvy cardholders are looking for ways to reduce the cost of using a card. Some ways consumers achieve this is through a cash-back rewards credit card or a low-interest credit card.

The distinction between a cash-back vs. low-interest credit card is that cash-back cards help you earn a small percentage of your spending back. Conversely, a low-interest credit card tends to charge less interest each month than a high-interest card, which is helpful for cardholders who roll a balance into the next month.

What Are Cash-Back Credit Cards?

Credit cards that offer cash-back rewards are designed as an incentive to encourage spending on the card. For every eligible purchase you charge to your card, you’ll receive a small percentage of cash back. Some cards offer 1% cash back, while others offer as much as 6% or more, depending on the program’s rules. You might earn a flat rate across all purchases, or you might earn more in certain spending categories, such as groceries or gas.

You then can redeem your earned cash-back rewards. Redemption options may include a cash payment or a statement credit toward your next bill, or you may be able to redeem the rewards for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

What Are Low-Interest Credit Cards?

Low-interest credit cards incur a lower borrowing cost compared to a high-interest credit card. A credit card that charges low interest allows you to pay less for using the card if you carry a balance. This card feature is beneficial for cardholders who repay their monthly balance in increments over time, instead of in full.

The interest rate you qualify for highly depends on your creditworthiness, including your past borrowing habits and credit score. Consumers with strong credit might qualify for promotional no-interest credit cards that charge 0% APR for a limited period. After this period is over, the card’s interest rate increases, based on the cardholder’s credit and qualifications. As such, there are both advantages and disadvantages of no-interest credit cards.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Differences Between Cash-Back and Low-Interest Credit Cards

Below are the key differences between low-interest vs. cash-back credit cards to keep in mind when choosing a card:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Rates and Rewards

Your unique financial situation, borrowing habits, and the features and benefits of a particular card are what you should consider when comparing your options.

Average Balance You’ll Be Carrying Monthly

How credit cards work is that they give you purchasing power up to a limited amount, even when you don’t have the cash upfront. You can choose to repay the debt in one lump payment by your statement due date, which allows you to avoid paying interest charges. Alternatively, you can make installment payments over multiple months, in which case you’ll accrue interest charges.

Not carrying a monthly balance is one of the common credit card rules to try to stick to, but it’s not always possible. For example, you might have had an unexpected injury that resulted in a medical bill that exceeded your cash savings. In this scenario, putting some of that cost on your credit card and making small, monthly payments to repay it might be necessary.

If you don’t have sufficient cash savings or income to confidently repay your monthly balance in full each month, a low-interest card might offer an advantage over a cash-back card.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Your Average Monthly Spending

Look back at your monthly expenses and think about the total amount you’ll likely put on your credit card each month. For example, you might choose use a credit card to cover everyday expenses, like dining, groceries, and gas. Cardholders who rack up high monthly balances can benefit from a cash-back credit card that offers money back from purchases you’re already making.

The caveat, however, is if you charge more expenses to your card than you can realistically pay back in full by the statement due date. If you roll over any portion of your outstanding balance into the next month, you’ll get charged interest on that amount, which cancels out any cash-back rewards you may have earned.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Annual Fees

Some cards — particularly rewards cards that extend high-value benefits and incentives — might charge an annual fee. For example, a cash-back card might offer an annual $300 travel credit and 5% cash back on flight purchases, but charge an annual fee of $550.

If you don’t travel enough to use up the credits and earn more cash back than the annual fee costs, that card might not be the best fit for your lifestyle. You’ll need to assess the total potential dollar value that a card’s benefits, credits, and other incentives offer in comparison to the upfront cost of the card’s annual fee.

Interest Rate Difference Between Cards

Although all credit card issuers check your credit to determine your interest rate, each card company has its own underwriting criteria. You might receive an interest rate offer for 19.99% APR for one card, and an offer from another card issuer at 22.99% APR, for example. To gauge interest rates, it can be helpful to look at the current average credit card interest rates for a point of comparison.

Regardless of whether you end up with a cash-back credit card vs. low-interest credit card, it’s always a good idea to shop around for the lowest interest rate you can get. That way, if you ever need to carry a balance, you can minimize the amount of interest you end up paying.

Guide to Lowering Your Credit Card Interest Rate

Whether you’re shopping around for a new credit card or have an existing card with a high APR, here are some ways to lower your interest rate:

•   Contact your card issuer. If you’ve been a loyal customer and have kept your account in good standing, or if you have built your credit score since you opened the account, your credit card issuer may be willing to reduce your rate.

•   Build your credit score. Even if you already have good credit, building your credit score can help you secure the most competitive interest rate in the future. Good borrowing habits — like making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low (below 30% or ideally below 10%) — are just some ways that may help your score.

•   Consider a low-interest balance transfer card. If you have a high-interest card with a balance on it, and you have strong credit, a balance transfer card can allow you to move your original balance onto a low-interest card. Before proceeding, always compare the balance transfer fee against your potential savings to confirm that it’s worth it.

Remember, what’s considered a good APR for a credit card is subjective, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. Securing the lowest APR that you qualify for can help you avoid heavy interest charges if you roll over a monthly balance.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, whether you opt for a cash-back credit card or a low-interest card depends on how you plan to use the card and manage debt, as well as what kinds of perks and features matter most to you. If you often carry a balance, for instance, a low-interest card could be valuable. If you tend to follow the important rule of paying off your card balance in full every month, then interest rate may not matter as much but cash back could be a benefit you appreciate.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

When is a lower annual interest rate better than a low annual fee?

A lower APR is better if you typically carry a balance from one billing cycle to the next. When you roll over a balance, old and new balances accrue daily interest charges that can cost you more money out of pocket. A low annual fee is something to look for when you’re using a card to earn incentives, like credit card rewards.

Are there credit cards with low interest and cash back?

Yes, there are credit card options that offer a low interest rate to qualified applicants, as well as cash-back rewards. However, you’ll generally need to have good credit in order to qualify for the most competitive rates offered by low-interest rewards credit cards.

How can I choose between low APR and rewards?

Consider your credit history and score to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for a credit card’s lowest APR. Also, examine your general credit card habits, like whether you often roll over a balance and what your monthly spending habits are like. Compare those details against the costs of carrying a card, like annual fees and the APR you’re offered.

Is it better to find a credit card with low or high interest?

Finding a credit card that offers a low interest rate is usually the better move. The lower your APR, the less you’ll pay for borrowing on credit if you decide to carry a balance month to month.

Photo credit: iStock/AsiaVision

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Stock exchanges are platforms that allow investors to buy and sell stocks in a venue that is regulated and transparent. These exchanges enable investors of all stripes to trade stocks and other securities, potentially benefiting from a stock’s share price appreciation and dividend payments.

Stock exchanges help the stock market work, and are a big part of the overall economy. Understanding stock exchanges and how they work may help you how they affect you and your investments.

What Is a Stock Exchange?

A stock exchange is a marketplace where the shares of publicly-traded companies are bought and sold between investors.

Exchanges are generally organized by an institution or association that hosts the market, like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. These organizations and government regulators – like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the U.S. – set up the rules and regulations of what companies investors can trade on a stock exchange.

If a company is “listed” on an exchange, it means that the company can be traded on that exchange. Not all companies are listed because each exchange regulates which companies meet their requirements. Companies not listed on the exchange are traded over-the-counter, or OTC for short.

Investors who want to buy or sell stocks commonly trade through an investment broker, a person or entity licensed to trade on the exchanges. Brokers aim to buy or sell stock at the best price for the investor making the trade, usually earning a commission for the service. Most investors will now use online brokerage firms for this service, paying little to no commissions for trades.

Historically, stock exchanges were physical locations where investors came together on a trading floor to frantically buy and sell stocks, like what you may have seen in the movies or on TV. However, these days, more often than not, stock exchanges operate through an electronic trading platform.

Major Stock Exchanges

Why Do We Have Stock Exchanges?

Stock exchanges exist because they provide a place for buyers and sellers to come together and trade stocks. Stock exchanges are also important because they provide a way for businesses to raise money. When companies issue stock to raise capital, investors will then trade the company’s shares on the stock exchange in which it is listed.

The individual stock exchanges set the rules for how stocks are traded. Stock exchanges are also regulated markets, which means that a government agency oversees the activity on the exchange. These rules and regulations provide a level of safety for investors and help to ensure that the market is fair, transparent, and liquid.

💡 Not sure what a stock is? Here we explain what stocks are and how they work.

What Is the Stock Market?

The stock market is made up of a network of different stock exchanges, including OTC markets, and the companies that are traded on these exchanges.

When you hear mentions of the stock market and its performance, it is usually in reference to a particular stock market index, like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones Industrial Average. However, the stock market is more than the specific companies that make up these stock market indices.

Generally, stock markets facilitate the buying and selling of shares between companies and institutional investors through initial public offerings (IPOs) in the primary market. Once a company has an IPO, the company’s shares are traded in secondary markets, like stock exchanges.

Stock Market Volatility

Volatility in the stock market occurs when there are big swings in share prices. Share prices can change for various reasons, like a new product launch or the most recent earnings report. And while volatility in the stock market usually describes significant declines in share prices, volatility can also happen to the upside.

Pros of the Stock Market

As mentioned above, the stock market allows companies to raise capital by issuing shares to investors. Raising money was one of the main reasons why stock issuances and trading began. It allows businesses to raise money to expand a business without taking out a loan or issuing bonds.

And because investors can own shares of companies, they can benefit from the growth and earnings of a business. Investors can profit from a company’s dividend payments, realize a return when the stock’s price appreciates, or benefit from both. This helps investors build wealth.

The relationship between stock markets, companies, and investors has arguably led to more economic efficiency, allowing money to be allocated in more productive ways.

Cons of the Stock Market

For companies, issuing shares on the stock market may be onerous and expensive due to rules and regulations from the stock exchanges and government regulators. Because of these difficulties, companies may be wary of going through the IPO process. Instead, they are more comfortable raising money in the private markets.

There are several potential risks associated with investing in the stock market. For example, the stock market is subject to market volatility, resulting in losses. Investors must be willing to take on the risks of losing money for the possibility of gains in the future.

Additionally, there is the potential for stock market fraud and manipulation by companies and investors, which harms individual investors, companies, and the economy.

💡 Recommended: How Many Companies IPO Per Year?

The Takeaway

A stock exchange is a marketplace where investors can buy and sell stocks or other securities, and where companies can list shares to try and raise capital. There are numerous stock exchanges, but the biggest in the U.S. are the New York Stock Exchange, and the Nasdaq.

Knowing the ins and outs of stock exchanges and how they influence the broader stock market may help you become a better-informed investor. Further, by learning about stock exchanges, their different rules, and their advantages and disadvantages, you may better understand the stock market as a whole. This may allow you to invest confidently and prepare for future stock market volatility.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

FAQ

What is the stock market?

The stock market is a collection of markets where stocks are traded between investors. It usually refers to the exchanges where stocks and other securities are bought and sold.

What are the benefits of investing in the stock market?

Some benefits of investing in the stock market include the potential for earning income through dividend payments, experiencing share price appreciation, and diversifying one’s financial portfolio beyond cash. Note, however, that there are significant risks associated with investing in the stock market, too.

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