Just a note to folks who are using someone else’s credit cards - that’s a violation of the CC’s terms of service and you can be prosecuted by the CC company (it is unlikely of course).

I know this because when my MIL passed away there was an outstanding balance on her CC. A niece had used it to buy things (without permission) and I had used it to buy my MIL items (with explicit permission.). We tried to challenge the unauthorized purchases - from the niece - and they told us they had evidence of multiple people using the card and all would be prosecuted. Would they really? Probably not over $200, but when you swipe and sign you are basically stating you are the person with the name on the card.

I have a paypal swipe and a receipt book. SO if parents don't have cash they can pay me through pay pal. Yes there is a $2.00 but most of them don't care. If I have to buy something the money is there in my paypal and what I don't need I can transfer right to my bank account. This is great for occasional sitting and dates nights etc I tell them I have this so they don't have to worry about cash if they don't have it or getting some. I use the receipt book if they want a receipt or if I have to buy something for the kids, like dinner etc. I can hand them a receipt and I have the copy. So they can pay me what they owe.

I used my own credit card because it got my credit rating up higher. I kept all the receipts then once a month I get reimbursed.

My MB just leaves a credit card for me if she needs me to buy something at the store. If she doesn't then I use my card and get the miles for myself. If she needs me to order something online, then she's already logged on and the cc info is stored. No need for me to be added on to their account; I've literally never been asked for ID when using her card. I once discovered fraud on her Amazon account when I tried to log in and couldn't. I was able to alert her to a problem long before she would have discovered it on her own.

I prefer reimbursement, that way I get the points. If they get their acts together and get me a cc (along with a membership for bjs, Costco or authorize me to purchase my own membership), then I will do all of the shopping for them. Until then, I do the "as needed" things.

I use a bluebird account for our nanny so that she can charge things or get cash from the ATM. It’s very easy to reload money on to it.

It is inefficient and unfair to have your nanny wait for reimbursement. A credit card is simply easier and takes up less of everyone's time.

In the past I've been given petty cash (in advance) or used their cc. With my new family I use my card and get reimbursed. I'm sure they would handle it differently if I requested it, but I like getting the cash back on my card!

Anonymous wrote:I wish my employer would do this. I am a nanny for older kids, so part of my role is also household manager. I do errands, grocery shopping, pick up food for kids when we are out. I've been with the family 3+ years you think she'd trust me with a credit card. She used to just give me cash if she had it, or I'd have to pay for the items myself and get reimbursed. The she finally started getting me prepaid gift cards so it didn't matter if she was out of cash. But she is not consistent with these, the card will run out and it will take her weeks to get a new one, meanwhile I have to charge everything to my card and remember to submit the items for reimbursement. SO annoying!

Demand a credit card, PP. It is that simple. Tell her you cannot buy the things she needs with your own money anymore.

I wish my employer would do this. I am a nanny for older kids, so part of my role is also household manager. I do errands, grocery shopping, pick up food for kids when we are out. I've been with the family 3+ years you think she'd trust me with a credit card. She used to just give me cash if she had it, or I'd have to pay for the items myself and get reimbursed. The she finally started getting me prepaid gift cards so it didn't matter if she was out of cash. But she is not consistent with these, the card will run out and it will take her weeks to get a new one, meanwhile I have to charge everything to my card and remember to submit the items for reimbursement. SO annoying!

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone here added their nanny to the family credit card account, maybe as an authorized user? Am thinking this could be good for me (not scrambling to make sure I have cash on hand when she picks up groceries etc.) and her (help build a line of credit).

Our nanny has a excellent line of credit but giving her a card made our lives much easier. She handles everything pertaining to my kid.

Yes, we gave our nanny an AmEx and she does all the ordering and grocery shopping for DD plus handles all class registrations and fees. She expanded her ordering to household items now which is a HUGE help to me. We are never out of diapers, paper towel or milk anymore!

I was added to my employers credit card. Made everyday life a lot easier.

Has anyone here added their nanny to the family credit card account, maybe as an authorized user? Am thinking this could be good for me (not scrambling to make sure I have cash on hand when she picks up groceries etc.) and her (help build a line of credit).