Methods of Payments (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Cash

✔ Advantages:

• Less likely to overspend. ✘ Disadvantages:

• Not secure; if lost/stolen, unlikely to be recovered.

Credit Cards

• Allows you to buy now, pay later. ✔ Advantages:

• If the bill is paid in full, no extra interest. ✘ Disadvantages:

• High interest rates = goods cost more.

• Debt can build up if bills aren't paid on time.

PayPal

• Online payment system where sellers don't see your card details. ✔ Advantages:

• Reduces risk of online fraud. ✘ Disadvantages:

• Can encourage impulse buying as it's quick and easy.

Debit Cards

• Used by inserting into machines with a PIN or tapping for payments under €30. ✔ Advantages:

• Secure – can be blocked if stolen.

• No extra charges for tap payments. ✘ Disadvantages:

• Easy to lose track of spending.

• If stolen, cards can be tapped before a PIN is needed.