jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice avatar!

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks Jerry.
My daughter carved that 12 years ago.
I use that avatar every Halloween season if I remember.

anotherview Loc: California

American Express offers a reloadable debit card called "Serve." A cardholder can use the card account to pay bills directly to the vendor.

The account is offered with no fee if the cardholder deposits at least $500 each month. Otherwise, AMEX collects a $1.00 fee.

AMEX collects no fee for deposits to the card account. Various retailers process these deposits -- CVS, Walmart, etc.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I bought Adobe PSE 2020-21 from Staples, off the shelf. Maybe the big electronic retail chains also offer a similar format of PS and LR.

JhnMhn

The original OP’s post was concerned about leaving PS to avoid credit card risk. Agree with comments questioning if this is a good reason to change since the cc risk remains with other alternatives.
Having said that, if the OP is going to switch, I highly recommend Affinity Photo, and ON1 Raw 2022. I used PS professionally for over 15 years and also tried Lightroom…I find Affinity Photo every bit the equal of PS. On1 Raw 2022 is, for my needs ( make my living from my images: publications, high end prints, etc.), better than Lightroom. It has a DAM that is simpler and more flexible for my needs. ON1 is one of the most versatile raw converters available, with layers, local selections, effects and arguably the best noise reduction with NO Noise…all available while processing Raw files that save the settings (including layers, effects, noise reduction, etc.) nondestructively similar to Lightroom’s side car files. ON1 handles Canon R5 files much better than Lightroom’s/Camera Raw’s camera profiles as has been documented by many reviewers and users. I find that I can get better results more efficiently with ON1 than I did with Lightroom/Camera Raw but ymmv.
While I much prefer Affinity Photo and ON1 Raw 2022, valid arguments can be made for and against PS vs the alternatives. It is not a black and white choice, but rather best made based on your own needs, and preferences.

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

I have been using a AMEX Serv card for several years now with no problems. I only keep low amounts on the card, or the amount of a purchase.
Mundy

Bret Perry

[quote=anotherview]Add Adobe Bridge to the list, as an image organizer.

And Bridge is free, You need an account to use it but no fee.
But it doesn't have the photo editing tools that LR has so you'd nee more than Bridge.
Really it mostly just an image browser and any organization would be whatever folders you set up.

But combined with a photo editor, it might be all you need.

I'd stick with Adobe if you like it, and use paypal, a pre-paid card or electronic checks.

madpaddler Loc: Near Seattle, Washington

We have been trying to analyze where the leak is for at least three (3) years. Who ever is getting our credit card numbers is selling it as false charges are coming from all across the U.S. and not locally. Some times in place I have never visited, or heard of. And we do not make purchases outside the U.S. and rarely eat out.

Our Bank has been extremity good at blocking these fraudulent charges, but that still means I have to have a new card issued, notify companies like Adobe that we have a new card to enter into their system. Also those merchants who sold something to the person using our card number is left holding the bag as our bank has stopped payment and the thief has the merchandise.

We are schedule to meet with our bank in the morning to see about getting a new card issued just for use with companies that need a card on file such as Adobe as has been suggested on this forum. We then will have another card for in-store purchases. That will not stop whoever is stealing our credit card numbers, but at least we can narrow the list of suspects down.

And thanks for all your suggestions.

madpaddler Loc: Near Seattle, Washington

Yes, I use Bill Pay with my bank on many of my accounts, but not companies allow it...Adobe only wants credit cards or Pay Pall. Bummer!

Photec

I have to agree with rlv567, I was an avid LR user from way back right up until they started with the monthly fees. The cost was not too high, but the whole idea of LR not being mine hit me with a very sour note.
I had been a beta tester for On1 before it was ever released, thru about the 5th or 6th release, and tried every release that came out. When Raw 2021 came out I switched totally from LR to On1. Now that 2022 is out, I can not even imagine what they will come out with next. It is the quickest and simplest PP software I have ever found, and it now does everything I need it to do. Their new AI No noise is unbelievable! If you haven't tried it, use their free trial and give it a go. Lots of video tutorials to get you going. Good Luck.

anotherview Loc: California

A user of PS does not own it, only receives a right to use it.

The monthly PS fee includes frequent updates along with new features and functions as they become available. The user does not have to wait for the annual release.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I bought the original PS then Cs2 for couple hundred and it's worthless for years. I bought ps elements and just learning it

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

My credit card company has developed a "virtual card" system where they make up a card number and all necessary info. Saves my actual card number from being used. I'm not sure how it will help, but they seem to think it will.

madpaddler Loc: Near Seattle, Washington

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

In summary, we have applied for a 2nd credit card which we will use for all on-line purchases. Because I have 20+ years with Photoshop/Lightroom, I will stick with them for now. However, I will try some of the programs that were suggested on this forum to see if there is something out there that will work better for me in the future.

Thanks Again for all your help!

tcthome Loc: NJ

Capture One, Affinity Photo. Can't you make a payment for a 2 year subscription by phone.