Cash or card

Cash or Card?

July 22, 2021
by Team SESLOC

Which do you prefer to use at checkout, cash or card?

Cash certainly has its benefits, especially if you’re someone who finds it easier to use to manage spending and curb impulse purchases. Some businesses only accept cash (although a growing number only take plastic), or may impose a surcharge or minimum purchase requirement to accept your credit card.

However, cash also has its drawbacks — if it’s lost or stolen, it’s gone for good. Plus, cash doesn’t come with valuable extra features like cards do.

Here are some benefits of using your debit or credit card instead:

More Security

  • Debit and credit cards are equipped with EMV chip technology, which creates a unique authentication code for every purchase in order to protect you from some types of fraudulent activity.
  • All transactions are logged on your statement and in Online Banking for your review.
  • You can set up custom alerts in Online Banking to notify you about transaction activity or account balances.
  • Cards include fraud protection, limiting your liability in the event of unauthorized charges.

More Value

  • SESLOC HomeFREE Checking debit and Visa Signature Rewards credit cards earn points¹ on every purchase that can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, gas, experiences, and more. Plus, you earn bonus rewards points at participating Local Rewards² businesses. 
  • Build your credit by making everyday purchases with your credit card and paying it off each month (Tip: use less than 30% of your limit) — a good credit score helps you save money on your next loan.

More Payment Options

  • If eligible, enroll in Pay With Points to redeem points for a statement credit to cover recent purchases.
  • Go contactless — debit and credit cards are compatible with Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay. Simply add your card to your digital wallet and start making payments where accepted.

Plus, Exclusive Perks for Our Visa Signature Rewards Card

The SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards Card includes all of the above, plus exclusive perks³ like:

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Travel & emergency assistance
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Roadside dispatch
  • Zero-fraud liability
  • Concierge service

1. SESLOC Rewards program Terms and Conditions can be found at seslocrewards.org The SESLOC Rewards program (“Program”) is a service provided by SESLOC Credit Union (“Sponsor”) and managed by ampliFI Loyalty Solutions, LLC (“Administrator”). Participation in the Program is exclusive to those who have a current HomeFREE Checking™ debit card or a SESLOC Visa Signature® Rewards credit card issued by the Sponsor. There is no pre-registration required. By making eligible transactions with a HomeFREE Checking account debit card and the SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards credit card, the cardholder is accepting the terms and conditions of the Program. See seslocrewards.org for Program terms and conditions. You retain the option to utilize these services as long as you are a HomeFREE Checking or SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards cardholder, subject to terms and conditions. Sponsor and Administrator reserves the right to modify, expand, discontinue, or retire any part of the program at any time.

2. Local Rewards bonus points are earned on purchases made at participating Local Businesses only. Participating Local Businesses (“merchants”) are subject to change at any time without notice. Participation in Local Rewards does not constitute an endorsement on the part of either the merchant or SESLOC Credit Union. Purchases made at participating merchants processed through third-party services (e.g. DoorDash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats ect.) may not qualify for bonus points under Local Rewards. Local Rewards is part of the SESLOC Rewards program; see seslocrewards.org for complete terms, conditions, restrictions and eligibility that apply. For any questions regarding Local Rewards, contact SESLOC Credit Union.

3. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See a summary of Visa Signature® card benefits and view the complete benefits guide.

4. SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards cardholders are responsible for the payment of any and all charges associated with any goods, services, reservations or bookings purchased or arranged by the Visa Signature Concierge on cardholders’ behalf. Any such purchases or arrangements are solely between the cardholder and the respective merchant, and Visa is not a party to the transaction. All goods and services subject to availability. See full terms of service at visasignatureconcierge.com