We asked Get Ahead readers to send in their opinions on the credit card vs debit card debate. Here are a few responses from readers about their credit card experiences:

When credit cards can become a curse

I am working with IBM Bangalore and just owned a credit card (ICICI [Get Quote]) 3-4 months back, and totally agree with Mr Sidhartha. My father also owns 2-3 credit cards and he is not having any problems with the credit cards in respect of false bills etc.

Still we all are afraid of the credit cards. Because, if we use them carelessly, this facility can become a curse on us. So one must use this facility smartly.

As Sidhartha mentioned `you should purchase by credit card what you can purchase by cash'. Careless transactions can lead you to a problem.

It is a good option when you are facing money problem or you want to pay later. But make sure that you must arrange the money or plan your investments in such a way so that when your next month's salary comes in you can pay easily. Like me I pay my mobile bills through credit card. But ready to pay when my next month salary comes in. This is a routine work now.

But I am also frustrated with the calls by some (or you can say every) credit card company when you are busy the most or you are in a meeting...for their credit card promotions. I called up my mobile service provider (Hutch) to put my no in DO NOT DISTURB, but of no use. They give the explanation that we can only restrict Hutch calls promotion calls. I know they are wrong and every day the same story repeats itself.

                                                                                                                                          -- Nishank Jain, Bangalore

Credit cards are very useful if you use them very cautiously

I am Dr Pawan Bhutani and I fully agree with Siddharth's comment on use of credit cards. I am using credit cards for last three years and my experience is that the credit cards are very useful if you use them very cautiously. I and my wife, both are doctors and we are having good purchasing power.

At the time of going to market, I am never worried that how much cash money is there in my wallet and I need not to carry more than a thousand rupees in my wallet. If we select any product to buy, we pay by card and then pay monthly bill by cheque in full to the bank next month without any extra charges. Other than that, I have earned gift vouchers of more than Rs 2,000 in last three years plus few gifts.

                                                                                                                                                       -- Pawan Bhutani 

I have seen the ugly side of credit cards too

I use credit cards and I have always found it extremely useful. However, I have seen the ugly side of it too. I had defaulted on payment due to over expenditure and had to face the loan recovery agents in my house. In short, I have gone through it all and completed the cycle and from my experience I would like to share the learning.

To me the golden rule of credit card usage is that:

1) Use credit card mostly for daily purchases, like grocery items, daily shopping etc. and

2) In case of shopping which is not part of your daily routine, (like Diwali shopping or buying gifts etc) always make a list of things that you would like to buy, along with the price limits, and then go for shopping.

This way, one can have a great control over the spending. You can also accumulate enough reward points, which you can redeem later. Actually, having self-restraint is very important. Nowadays, while making impulse purchases, I check whether I have enough cash or not. If I have enough cash, I go ahead with the purchase. Otherwise, I console myself.

But, Credit Card and impulse buying, well, that's a thing of the past.

                                                                                                                                             -- Sougata Mitra, Kolkata

How to keep your CVV number safe

I have a credit card with photograph on the back. This will remove 90 per cent of fraudulent usage.

As for the CVV (card verification value) number it was printed on the same strip where we have to sign. I memorised it and scratched it off.

                                                                                                                                     --Nagendranath Pratap Singh

Be a little organized and enjoy the pleasures of a credit card

I have been using Credit Cards from past 2 years & my experience till date has been pleasant. If you want to have a pleasant
experience, be a little more organised & pay your Card Bills on time.

This would ensure that you don't get into the hassles of Recovery Agents & other related complications. Your in time payment will also ensure you a good Credit record & will make yourself eligible for a higher credit limit at the earliest.

A higher Credit limit will ensure that you can use your Credit Card to the fullest extent in case of emergencies.

                                                                                                                                                     --Baudhayan Lahiri

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