For local consumers reeling from a series of economic blows, cash and debits cards are becoming the only way to pay. According to an industry newsletter, at Visa the number one card company, debit spending could surpass credit this year.  

Debit cards are becoming the plastic of choice. Some of us use the cards as a budgeting tool to limit spending. Others use them as an alternative to credit cards as they work to get out of debt and put an end to their dependence on the idea of buy now, pay later. "Spending more cash I don't put nothing on credit cards." "I'm trying to keep credit cards to a minimum." "You know I'm trying to pay 'em down and get my finances back in order." "I put everything on a credit card and pay it at the end of the month. It just makes it convenient, write one check, that type of thing." Consumer credit counseling services say the more credit cards you own, the more opportunities to get stuck in debt.  

Many local businesses are also promoting the use of cash eventhough they accept credit cut down on fees attached to credit transactions.

Deeda Payton, KTEN News.