Jackson Heights Life

These ATMs are not cheap, and arguably not safe.

I don't know what kind of stores you think I'm talking about, but grocery stores,  99 cent stores along 37th Avenue, and drug store/pharmacies don't strike me as particular dangerous places to use ATMs during the day. Is there something about the ATMs themselves you are talking about that you think makes them unsafe?

You are right though, the fees are expensive. I was pleased to find an ATM machine near me that only had a 99 cent fee. I use a bank that reimburses ATM fees up to a point each month, but that just makes us be more mindful about how often we withdraw and where we withdraw cash from.

You are better off spending $10 at the store and getting something for your money.

I disagree. I think I'm better off using a bank that reimburses my ATM fees (and offers interest on my balance) and having a bit of money in my pocket in case credit card and ATM systems go down for some reason. If you're interested in seeing what is available, check out:
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/060216/top-10-checking-accounts-no-atm-fees-pnc-ally.asp

http://www.kiplinger.com/article/credit/T005-C000-S002-never-pay-an-atm-fee-again.html

thanks, Sam

Just read an article today about the closing of Angelica's Kitchen, a restaurant in the East Village. I know this thread was created mainly to discuss non-restaurant venues, but this quote struck me:

"McEachern said she knew she was taking a risk when she signed a new lease in 2014 — rent was $21,000 a month, plus utilities and taxes. She made several last-ditch efforts to save her business in its final years — introducing brunch and organic beverages, and accepting credit cards — but those efforts just ended up costing her more, she said."

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170324/east-village/angelica-kitchen-closing-friends-launch-fundraising-campaign

Since we're talking about coffee, I had to leave espresso 77 without a coffee because I didn't have cash on me. Why is there $10 minimum when you charge manhattan prices in queens? Isnt $4 way more than enough to cover that small transaction fee?

I had to leave espresso 77 without a coffee because I didn't have cash on me. ... Isnt $4 way more than enough to cover that small transaction fee?

but but but didn't Espresso77 lose a $4 sale? to save $13 cents?

I remember when E77 asked for donations to help them expand; the community came through. Couldn't a store set up a donation jar asking to help defray cost-of-doing-(credit card)-business? I know our neighbors would be willing to throw in a dime or quarter in order to have such a benefit for its customers.

Also, using your bank card as a debit should not incur fees to the store, or at least a lesser fee. Does anyone know the cost to the store for accepting debit cards?

I don't think of myself as that old (in my 40's), but I am amazed when I go out with people in their 20's - and they literally have less than $5.00 in their pocket.  It's not like they don't have money or a job - they just don't carry cash.

I like cash - it's a universal language.  I keep an emergency supply, in smallish bills, hidden in my house for unexpected events (blackout, emergency repair, forgetting to get cash the day before the cleaning woman comes over, etc.).  I also typically withdraw an amount of cash that I think I will need for the week once a week.  It's simple, and there are often times when cash lets me cut the line ("next customer paying cash only," screams a cashier whose machines have broken down). 

The #1 reason for carrying cash -- discounts.  In any country in the world.  You can literally go anywhere and, if you tell the salesperson that you're paying cash, you can bargain down the price of anything.  We've done it on furniture, appliances, clothing, antiques - really, anything.  We were furnishing a family home abroad and went to a particular store for some furniture.  By the end of the transaction, we were given a 450 Euro chair for free, as well as discounts on the other items we purchased - all because we were paying in cash.

So yeah, I get that the credit card is convenient.  I also love using those self check-out lines at CVS - and I charge it even if it's only a couple of bucks.  But it won't kill you to have some cash on you, no matter where you go.

if I ever had to drink Starbucks because I didn't have cash, it would be lesson enough for me to always carry cash

I had to leave espresso 77 without a coffee because I didn't have cash on me. ... Isnt $4 way more than enough to cover that small transaction fee?

Same here, I stopped going there after this happened twice. They have over priced coffee for the area and its nothing to rave about. I regret donating money for them to expand.