Apparently, money can't buy happiness, and if you are using a credit card, that's not the only thing your money won't be able to buy.
Despite the belief credit cards can take you 'everywhere you want to be' — as the old Visa slogan went — the reality is there some places where your plastic won't be gladly accepted.
Here are ten items for which you might need to pocket the card and pull out the cash or checkbook.
1. Lottery tickets
If you dream of winning millions through your state's lottery program, you'll probably have to have some cash ready when you reach the register.
Most states prohibit the use of the credit cards for lottery purchases.
Even in the handful of states that accept credit cards, your card issuer may put the kibosh on lottery sales.
For example, even though Massachusetts allows credit card sales, American Express won't authorize payments for the state's Season Ticket program.
2. Gaming chips and slot machines
Like lottery tickets, many states and card issuers have made it difficult to use credit cards for casino gaming.
Many casinos are dedicated to responsible gaming practices that work to prevent behaviors that will fuel compulsive gambling.
Therefore, credit cards are off-limits for some forms of gaming while issuers may tack on additional fees for other usages.
For example, Nevada law prohibits the transfer of money directly from a credit card to many games or gaming devices such as slot machines.
Even when credit cards can be used, issuers often treat gaming purchases as a cash-equivalent purchase which can mean interest rates of up to 30 percent on your gambling habit.
3. Cars
If your limit is high enough, your credit card company would probably be thrilled to have you pay for your next vehicle with plastic.
Your dealer may not be quite so enthusiastic.
Since merchants pay a fee — typically between 1.5 and 3 percent of the purchase price — every time they process a transaction, some dealers just say no to credit card purchases.
In addition, private sellers are often not equipped to accept credit cards.
Of course, you could get a cash advance, but then you are the one stuck paying an extra fee of up to 5 percent, and you most likely get hit with an exorbitant interest rate to boot.
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