COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD USAGE AT POS

In today's increasingly digital economy the use of plastic money namely debit and credit cards has become a dominant method of payment at Point of Sale (POS) terminals. This shift away from cash and checks toward card-based transactions has significant implications for consumers merchants financial institutions and the broader economy. Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of debit and credit card usage at POS involves assessing the advantages and drawbacks from various perspectives: consumers retailers banks and even regulators. This analysis not only sheds light on the economic implications of card usage but also reveals underlying behavioral and systemic trends driving modern commerce. For consumers and businesses alike the optimal choice hinges on usage patterns financial goals and the broader payment ecosystem. As technology evolves and the payment landscape continues to digitize understanding these trade-offs will be essential for informed decision-making in both personal finance and commerce.