Credit, Cash, or Debit? How to Choose the Right Tool for Every Purchase

Join our weekly #CreditChat, launched in 2012 to help our community strengthen their understanding of credit and key personal finance topics such as saving, managing debt, and building healthier credit scores. Hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter), the conversation is open to everyone—feel free to DM us with any questions.

This week’s #CreditChat, Credit, Cash or Debit? How to Choose the Right Tool for Every Purchase, explores how everyday payment choices can shape spending habits, budgeting, and long-term credit health. We’ll discuss when credit, debit, or cash makes the most sense, how fraud protections and rewards factor into decisions, and why payment methods still matter in a digital-first world. Join us for practical insights to help you spend more intentionally and align your payment choices with your financial goals.

Topic: Credit, Cash, or Debit? How to Choose the Right Tool for Every Purchase

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: Jeanne Kelly: Credit expert, identity theft expert, speaker and founder of JeanneKelly.net;  Nika Booth: Award-winning debt expert and founder of DebtFreeGonnaBe.com; Todd Christensen: AFCPE^®Accredited Financial Counselor^®, Author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, and Education Manager at MoneyFit.org; Leslie H. Tayne, Esq: Founder and Managing Director of Tayne Law Group, P.C. (f/k/a The Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne, P.C.); Danielle Miura, CFP®, MSFP, EA: Founder of Spark Financials; Emily Schwartz Ph.D.: Director of Financial Education at MidFirst Bank; Deacon Hayes: Founder of Well Kept Wallet; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Questions we will discuss:

1. When deciding between credit, debit, or cash, what factors should you consider?

2. Are there certain purchases where using one form of payment makes more sense than another? Why?

3. How does the way we pay influence how much we spend?

4. For consumers focused on improving their credit, when does debit or cash still play an important role?

5. For everyday expenses like groceries or gas, do you prefer credit, debit, or cash? Why?

6.Are there situations might cash still be the best option, even in a digital-first world?

7. How do fraud protection and dispute rights differ between credit and debit, and how might that influence your payment choices?

8. What role can rewards, points, or cash back play in deciding how you pay for a purchase, and how can you weigh the rewards against interest rates and fees?

9. How can payment choices impact budgeting and spending awareness, especially for people trying to rein in expenses?

10: What’s one rule of thumb you can consider when deciding whether to use credit, cash, or debit for a purchase?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.