Debit or Credit

   Living in Minneapolis for 5 + years, Vanessa and I have noticed some differences now that we live in Des Moines. Two of those differences were RedBox and Chipotle, which have now been integrated into the Des Moines consumer landscape. Another difference though is the simple little phrase, "Debit or Credit?"

   You know what I am referring to, don't you? It sneaks up on you like heartburn after a bowl of chili. You know it's coming, and the anticipation is almost worse that the heartburn. (I take tums)    I do understand what they are asking, and I do understand the difference (as far as how the money travels) but why do I, the consumer, care either way? Why were we never asked this in Minneapolis? Why did stores in Minneapolis just assume credit? The grand questions is: "Why use debit?"

   Today at Dahl's (sigh) Vanessa and I were once again asked this inevitable question. We decided it would be good to get one of the employees perspectives (Derrick, the bagger). He was kind enough to inform us he uses Debit because he doesn't want to sign his name. 

   So is that it? Is our precious time wasted every day and are we asked this question each time to give us the option to sign our name or not? Why does that matter? Why do we have to do either? Technically speaking, all that is truly needed at the counter is a record of your credit card being swiped. This is why gas stations don't have you sign OR enter your pin. 

   Can we eliminate this nagging question from our consumer lifestyles? Can we eliminate Debit altogether?