what's the best and safest way to use and access your cash?

[MikeyK72]

With a credit card if you promptly report fraud you are only liable for the first $50 in charges (depending on the rules of the issuing institution).

My wife and I have had our credit card information compromised twice in the last 2 years. I agree with the comment above but wanted to say that if you incur fraudulent charges due to a compromise (and not a lost card), you are not liable at all...$0. However, we were told that if we actually lost our card, then we would be liable for the first $50.

But like I mentioned, both times for us were due to compromised info and not a lost card so we didn't have to pay anything either time. Not sure how the information was compromised, maybe due to online purchases or even a server skimming our card at a restaurant, but either way it was painless to report the fraud and have it cancelled immediately. Chase even sent a new card that arrived the very next day.

Like others have posted, I would strongly recommend using a credit card over your debit card as it offers a layer of protection from compromised information. I know we are very thankful that we did.

 

[LAKid53]

I used both my debit card and one of my credit cards at Target last during the breach time. I had no problems with my bank (they hadn't even heard yet), cancelling my card and getting a new one. Plus Target provided credit monitoring for a year and I check regularly. You can also set up alerts for specific type of transactions, which I have done. And I don't use a card at Target any more, just cash or a check. Also very cautious about using ATMs - if there is one inside, that's the one I will use.

Like many others suggested, get and use a credit card. I have a Disney Visa that is used ONLY for all things Disney - room, meals, merchandise (at parks and on-line), cruises (and I get on-board credit, sweet!) and even gas driving to WDW. And pay it off. Plus, I can use my Reward points for any expenses while at the parks or on-line. If you cannot get a credit card, then I would suggest the Disney gift cards - they are available in my local grocery store now. Then just charge everything to your room and pay off at the front desk with the gift cards. If you are looking at gift cards, make sure you don't get ones that have an upfront fee.

I also bring a small amount of cash for small purchases and tips.

 

[Daniel Johnson]

I only carry cash. Never used a credit card at any place outside of my hometown.
I carry a money clip wallet in my front pocket, never had an issue as of yet!

 

[DManRightHere]

Customers are more protected using credit cards. The fraud will never stop, eventually something will have to change

It doesn't stop me, I use credit card for everything. I've had 4 times someone had gotten my numbers. I'm not careless, I use my card at reputable merchants, just people fail to realize companies are hacked every day. Never had a problem disputing charges. Debit card was the worst, and I only used that card for small in store purchases and they STILL somehow got it.

 

[danpam1024]

My bank cards (debit) ALWAYS get cut off when we're in Orlando- even when I CALL PRIOR TO LEAVING! The bank said Orlando is one of the places where the most fraud occurs- I get it. But they didn't bother to shut them off when someone in SPAIN emptied my account to the tune of $10,000!!!!! ANYWAY, We have one credit card that is empty with a high limit, but have all the cash in the bank. I make sure I put in my travel request on the cc website AND speak with someone before we leave. We just use that one card and pay it off when we get home. AND it's a Disney chase so we earn more Disney cash! Win-Win! The past several 3 times we have done this and it seems to work best

 

[drp4video]

I have never used a debit card. There is no protection and my daughter had a bad experience with one once where she booked a hotel with the card, got there early afternoon and saw what was going on (biker week in Myrtle beach), never even saw the room, wanted to cancel, they refused and the bank said too bad. Anyhow, I only use my Chase Disney Visa. Getting points while I am in WDW makes me feel a little like they are paying me to be there lol.

 

[KLinder7]

I just bring an ID and my magic band these days.

 

[Bluewaves]

I've been using my debit card for most transactions for the past 10 years or so. I cut up the credit cards along time ago and only have one I use for rental cars and hotels, both of those put ridiculous holds on your cards so its just more convenient that way. I've never had my info stolen, not once.

Best way to budget is with cash though, you never have any unexpected surprises, using your debit or credit card just leaves too much temptation to over spend especially if you're somewhere where everything ends in a gift shop.

That being said, if you have a bank that doesn't stand behind your debit card immediately and consistently you need a new bank. I was an hour from my home at a gas station and they called me right after I had purchased gas thinking it was a possible fraudulent transaction and were verifying it less than 10 mins after it happened.

If you are going to use your credit/debit card make sure you inform the issuing bank, actually talk to someone, no e-mails, online questions , etc.. Let them know the exact travel dates and locations. If you are on vacation and need to make a large purchase call before someone tries to ring it up.

Me personally, I do cash when on vacation. Cash stays on me on the way to where I am going, wallet in the front pocket of cargo shorts or jeans , also keeps my tush from falling asleep when sitting for long amounts of time. When I get to the hotel if there is a safe I will use it, if not I will take out what I have budgeted for the day and the rest gets hidden, I usually carry a garbage bag for dirty laundry and no one in their right mind is going to want to dig through my dirty socks buried in the bottom of a suitcase to find money. Make sure your house keeper doesn't have to move your luggage either, put it in a place where they can do their thing and have no excuse to touch your bag. I also do the laptop or other valuables in the suitcase with the suitcase stored as most hotel safes don't fit a laptop. I also make my screen saver a big "this laptop is the property of ...." when traveling too.

Feel safe to use cash, its the easiest way to keep overspending and teaches the little ones good habits. You don't end up buying that extra Mickey bar or cool Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver pen when you know you won't have money for dinner later if you do. Be smart about it too, ladies keep the cash on you and not in a purse, guys wallets in the front pockets the back ones are to tempting of targets. Same goes for Credit Cards and ID's as well!

 

[PhilharMagician]

MasterCard Debit card for my room account. This is basically for all TS or QS meals.

I also carry enough cash for most of our expenses, but when I reach the resort it hits the safe. Each day I take out enough for snacks, drinks and Mickey junk that we buy. This way we can limit the misc purchases each day and keep ourselves in check.