Maria Bartiromo: I Don't Have A Credit Card (VIDEO)

Maria Bartiromo doesn't have a credit card, she told Ellen DeGeneres on Ellen's show, which aired Wednesday.

"I have a debit card, but I don't like credit cards," CNBC's Money Honey told Ellen. "I'm thinking actually of getting an American Express card just because you have to pay it off in its entirety, and I'm a big believer of that. But if you're gonna load up on debt on your credit card, I am just so not of that mindset. If I don't have it in my checking account, I don't spend it."

Ellen, who stars in ads for American Express, cheered on the possibility of Maria getting an AmEx.

"You should get an American Express card, for sure," Ellen said with a wink. "They're great!"

Watch:

Comments

[jalowe1957]

Who needs a credit card when a debit card suffices?

[Myshkin57]

The irony is that you have to be rich to go without a credit card. If she were not making a ton of money, there's no way she could get a loan without one. And, if she had had one and closed the account, that would also hurt her credit. If you want to get any loans, you need to have a record of varied kinds of debt.

[phinney]

One can have a credit card and pay it off every month. It's just ignorant to think you HAVE to have a credit card to get a loan or develop a credit history. I got a loan to buy a used car when I was 18, no co-signer. And I had a great rate, all I had was a job from a solid employer, the US Navy.

[Myshkin57]

Car loans are different from home loans. I tried the 'no credit card' route for quite some time. Even though I had no negative accounts on my record, my credit was not high enough to get the best rates. I don't suggest people get credit cards and run them up, but rather that you get one and pay it off, as you suggest. But, if you do not have one, it is very unlikely you will be able to get a loan, and if you do, you will likely not get the best rates.

[FatherWolf]

My partner and I pay for everything possible with a credit card, and pay it off every month without fail. We have the money in the bank for that month, and get interest on it instead of paying interest to the credit card company. Plus the card has a small rebate on purchases.

The credit card company is paying US money. Can't beat that.

[dcoxucla]

its funny that to the right of the screen amex stock is up

[e anthony58]

She loves Mamma Mia. She probably has 10 copies.

[aftermath]

at least she is not whoring for FICO scores like Suze.

[joycehelene]

She would be better off having a credit card and pay it on time than having a debit card.

[BLinCincinnati]

With the money she makes credit score isn't really an issue.

[rabiddog6708]

Credit card interest rates are so high, you expect a guy named Rocco to drop by to break your arms when you fall behind on the payments.

[Kassandra]

That's because the mob took over so much of our finance in the last several decades. Credit cards are a complete scam. Bush deregulated them, along with his signing of the "No-Bankruptcy" bill in '05 after getting people in over their heads with his "Ownership Society". Funny how that all dovetailed, isn't it?

I remember some of the people Congress called up in front when they started investigating the financial mess in Iraq. does the name Cookie Krongard ring a bell? He has a brother named Buzzy.
Yes, the mob has gone "legit".

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/cats/cookie_krongard/

[Momof3Rs]

Oh my gosh are you ever in the dark. Check out the article by John H. Cushman, dated March 10,1993 titled "Clinton Plan Would Soften Banking Rules" (New York Times article). Actually this legislation was first introduced sometime in the Carter administration, revised in the Clinton administration and given more teeth in the Bush administration. Bush was pressured by none other than Chris Dodd and Barney Frank to sign this legislation because they were being pressured by their constituants to loosen lending practises so that the "average" American (translation: people without adequate funds) could enjoy home ownership. As most politicians rightly pointed out: there is enough blame to go around and I suggest you get your facts straight before you go blaming Bush for a problem that started many years ago.

[LittleTart]

At first I thought this article was about Mario Batali and I was very confused. LOL

[Pdubya]

you can get into many hotels with an i.d. and cash.

rental cars are tougher, but possible. dealerships are a decent source.

travel arrangements are a tougher nut to crack.

[BlackYowe]

You can always just use your bank card and debit money from checking.

[BlackYowe]

I don't have a credit card either. I use a debit card when I need to use plastic. I gave mine up about 6 years ago.

[Paparaze]

Maria go lose weight then grow some brains

[SunshineDaydream]

why don't you?

[drymartini1]

she could buy and sell your family!! so stop the hate.

[phinney]

you first.

[cheesebeanswindy]

Common sense... Use credit only for those items which you have the money to pay for when the bill comes due. But by no means should establishing and maintaining good credit be overlooked as it is very valuable, one needs to establish credit, good credit, to get a good mortgage rate, car loan, insurance rates, etc. Many employers also check credit when screening applicants. Think of it as a money reputation resume. No resume, no dice. A good credit rating will save you and maybe make you thousands. The rewards available through using credit for all purchases can really add up. There is also the added security and ease of accounting, added insurance and returns.

[screwedrus]

We spent almost two years digging out of credit card debt. I cut them up, and I shred every new offer that comes in the mail. Every time I get a phone call from a credit card company I tell them that I have given explicit orders to my family to put a bullet in my head if I EVER get another credit card.

I don't see the joy that others get in paying more for something than is on the actual price tag. Interest sucks. I'll NEVER, NEVER, NEVER have another credit card and I'm teaching my children that credit cards have no place in their lives, too.

I learned my lesson the hard way. That's a road I will never travel again.

[PoliticalRockChick]

I don't have a credit card too. I think every American should start giving up on credit cards. If you can't pay the whole lump sum you owe in the first month, that means you shouldn't have a credit card. Live on cash people. Cash is king. If you don't have it, don't buy.

[kylennblack]

I have one credit card with a relatively low limit and I pay off the balance each month.

I have zero debt and if I need to make a major purchase I save up the money ahead of time for what I want...which is easy because I have nothing else I need to pay off.

My paycheck isn't huge but because I have few financial obligations I have enough to shoot off into savings, an IRA and a 403b and still travel and enjoy my creature comforts.

No headaches. :)

[SunshineDaydream]

we have one low balance credit card as well, but for credit score purposes only. we are going through a rough patch right now, but without the added burden of car payments, credit cards, etc.

it is a shame many don't consider it a possibility unless you are wealthy.

[Topsailsman]

Did you know that by having few loans that your credit score will be worse? My car insurance company is Progressive, and they don't give me the lowest rate because I don't owe any money. Paid off my mortgage after 30 years. Pay cash for cars. Don't use a credit card. According to Progressive, that profile means I am at high risk of filing claims for car insurance. American business is a total joke.