3 Purchases I'd Never Waste on a Debit Card

I stopped using my debit card years ago. Not because it's unsafe, but because it's inefficient.

Every time you swipe debit, you're saying no to cash back, points, miles, and upgrades you could've earned just by paying differently. It's like refusing a raise because you "don't want the paperwork."

If you're serious about maximizing every purchase, here are three categories where using a debit card is a missed opportunity.

1. Groceries and gas -- the everyday gold mine

Weekly errands are worth more than you think. Between gas, groceries, and takeout, most of us spend over $1,000 a month on everyday categories, and that's exactly where credit cards shine.

Many top cards earn 3%-5% back on everyday categories or let you turn points into premium travel value later. Debit cards? Zero.

I treat these repeat purchases like assets: predictable, high-frequency transactions that deserve high multipliers. Every bag of coffee or tank of gas can add up to free flights, statement credits, or even cash back that offsets next month's bills or my next big trip.

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2. Subscriptions and recurring bills

Your phone plan, streaming services, and cloud storage might not feel like "rewards categories," but together, they're a steady, no-effort source of points.

Setting recurring charges on a rewards card earns points month after month without lifting a finger. Some issuers even boost multipliers for digital subscriptions or utilities.

Meanwhile, putting them on debit does nothing but drain your account in the background.

I run every autopay I can through credit. It simplifies tracking, builds rewards in the background, and turns "set it and forget it" bills into low-effort returns.

3. Big-ticket "buy once, use forever" purchases

Furniture, appliances, a new iPhone… Anything north of a few hundred dollars belongs on a card that earns premium rewards.

It's not just about the extended warranty coverage (though that's nice). It's about leverage. A $1,200 laptop on a 2% cash back card earns $24 (or more if you're earning transferable points toward a high-value redemption later).

Debit cards give you nothing for the same spend. You're handing over four figures and walking away empty-handed.

The fine print that actually matters

Here's the catch: this only works if you pay it off before interest hits.

Rewards lose all their value the moment you start carrying a balance. A 20% APR will wipe out a 2% cash back rate faster than any multiplier can save you.

So if you can't clear the statement each month, pause the optimization game. No bonus or upgrade is worth paying interest for.

Used responsibly, though, a rewards credit card turns ordinary purchases into a steady stream of value -- a system where your dollars are working for you.

That's the kind of efficiency I'll never get from a debit swipe.

Ready to stop leaving rewards on the table? See our favorite rewards cards to start earning smarter.