I meant it as a counterpoint, not something I'd actually do. Especially considering I don't shop in such places in the first place. But yes, you're obviously correct.
Where do you see businesses accepting debit but not credit cards? I've only ever seen it accepting both or neither (in the case of neither, you have to physically mail in a check or link up ACH information). And the only time I see ACH or physical payment accepted but not debit/credit is with governmental agencies in the US, because credit/debit costs them money to process while ACH/physical money does not.
Its your characterization of people falling into a trap designed for them to fall in as bad with money i take issue with. This opinion can only come from an inability to consider hypothetical situations outside of your particular experience, such as (off the top of my head) an unexpected bill or layoff.
This can not be overcome with “moneysmarts“, unless moneysmarts=having money. Surely if you wanted, you could respond with a hypothetical situation that runs counter to your previous statement?
Depends, my autopay discounts were on Privacy cards, which I now can't use. So losing a $20/mo discount becuase no way in hell will I give an actual debit card # or checking info to a company that's going to lose it in their next breach, nor can I control or cancel them at will.
For the rare business where it's (unfortunately) standard practice e.g. gyms, I just setup a new (free) checking account with my existing bank.
Other than those rare, and "standarized" cases, they'd have to be critical to my ability to keep breathing for me to even consider using a check, or another payment method linked directly to bank, including a debit transaction that requires my PIN, or ever using my debit card online.