4 Reasons I Make Every Purchase With a Credit Card (Beyond Rewards)

Cash back is nice, but there are even more important reasons I charge all my purchases.

As a consumer, there's pretty much only one way I pay for my purchases: With a credit card. In fact, I can't remember the last time I paid cash for something.

Obviously, I do this to earn credit card rewards. I have a great cash back card that pays me generously for my purchases.

But there are four other reasons I always use my credit card. And some of them may be even more important. Here's what they are.

1. It's easier to track my spending

I like to keep track of what I'm doing with my money. My credit card makes that really easy. The app I've linked to my card automatically categorizes my purchases, though I can also do it manually. With just a few clicks, I can quickly and easily see what I've spent money on recently and whether I'm on budget.

If I used cash, I'd have to keep my receipts, manually input information into a spreadsheet, and assign a category to everything. This would take a lot more time than I'm willing to invest in tracking spending. Especially as I have a busy toddler and a fulfilling but time-consuming career.

2. I can dispute the charges if there's a problem

There have been several times I've had a problem with products not being delivered or not performing as promised -- and the merchants have failed to resolve the issue. Luckily, my credit card company helped me each time. I disputed the charges, didn't have to make the payments during the investigation, and ultimately got my money back.

I know the credit card issuer will look out for my interests and will help ensure I don't lose money on a transaction that goes wrong. And it's one of the single biggest reasons I pay with a card whenever I can.

3. I have purchase protection

My credit card also protects me in another way: It offers purchase protection, which reimburses me in case of damage, theft, or loss for the first 90 days.

Thankfully, I haven't had to use this feature yet. But I like the peace of mind it gives me. If there's a problem with something I bought shortly after the purchase, I'm protected.

4. It's more convenient

Finally, I've found that using a credit card is just a really simple, easy way to pay.

I've found it much easier to use than cash as I don't have to make ATM trips or worry about having enough money on hand. And if I lose my wallet, I won't be out a large sum since I never carry much money around.

The convenience my card provides me, along with the extensive protections it offers, make using it a no-brainer. The rewards I earn are just icing on the cake.