As a young man I would withdraw cash from my account in that manner, as well as withdrawing via ATM. As I became a bit more credit savvy I realized there’s no real benefit from withdrawing from your savings or checking other than depleting the cash you have available.
I’ve found that using a credit card as you would a debit card is more practical provided you commit yourself to paying the balance in full within 30 days. This wasnt so practical prior to cell phones, but these days it takes minimal effort to pay via the applicable app.
Here’s the theory…there are some things…like groceries…you’re going to purchase all the time. Using debit cards, cash, check or money order simply reduces funds you have available. Using a credit card instead demonstrates you can reliably borrow and pay back money. This increases your credit rating, which gives you access to greater funds you may need for larger purchases.
I might add that the worse time to borrow money is when you need it but have difficulty borrowing it. Establishing the ability to responsibly borrow and pay back when you don’t need money builds the credit that allows you ready access to money when you do need it.
Also carrying less cash prevents privolous spending. $2.00 here and $5.00 over there adds up over time. Buying things you don’t really need or remember buying is a great way to throw away money. Using a credit card responsibly provides an itemized listing of exactly what you spent and where you spent it. This tends to discourage needless spending.
This works beautifully as long as you avoid charging for anything you can’t pay for in full within 30 days. The cash in your checking and/or savings is then reserved for paying your monthly credit card balance or emergency situations when you just need cash. I haven’t encountered such an emergency situation, but it’s there nonetheless.
Something to consider the next time you accept “cash back” from the grocery store.