payment-method-deciderlisted

# Payment Method Decider > **Caveat**: this skill is one author's playbook + 5-scenario stress test. Verify state fees / CPO terms / EV credits / dealer practices against current sources before quoting numbers to a dealer or making financial decisions. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. > **last_verified**: 2026-05-18 (Phase 3B sub-skill split from orchestrator) Narrow helper for picking the payment instrument at close. Use when buyer asks "should I pay by X" or when dealer pushes a specific payment channel. Payment method is load-bearing for OTD math and CANNOT be silently swapped. ## When To Use - Buyer asks "should I use credit card vs cashier's check" - Card-rewards math (3% crypto-backed cashback, Amex, CSR, Citi DC) vs dealer surcharge - Dealer claims POS card limit, buyer wants to push back - Captive financing rebate vs credit union APR comparator - Binding-constraint check on monthly cap vs OTD ceiling - Lease cash / lease cap cost reduction routing ## When NOT To Use - General OTD math without payment-method dimension - use `otd-calculator` - Lease structure end-to-end - use `lease_playbook.md` first - After purchase paperwork - use `close-day-checklist` ## Critical Rule Payment method is LOAD-BEARING. Do NOT recommend financing to a cash buyer, or cashier's check to a buyer who wants card rewards. The buyer's chosen channel constrains: - Dealer fees (some channels attach convenience fee) - Effective OTD - Negotiation leverage (cash often weaker than financ