Re: Vents with allowed responses
Debit cards have some risks that credit cards do not. When a debit card # is stolen and used, then the money is gone. Disputing the charges is a lot harder, a lot more time consuming, and the money may not be returned to your account at all.
I don't like debt either. I avoid it by using my credit card and paying off all balance once or twice per month. That way, I get the buffer of the credit card extra protection, no fees or interest, and no debt. I also get cash back that I periodically apply to the balance before making my payment. I don't get a discount for paying cash or for using my debit card, and the bank pays so little interest on checking accounts that it makes more financial sense to use a good credit card if you have the self discipline to pay it off every month and not charge it if you don't have the money to pay for it then.
I had a friend who once told me she had an American Express card because they gave her no option not to pay off the debt monthly. She paid them about $75 per year for the extra kick in the pants to do what she could have done for free on her own. I didn't understand then, and I don't understand now.
Depending on the bank, they may have extra restrictions on the use of debit cards including the location of the purchase if it's out of the country. I'd try the customer service number listed on the card in question and ask them about it.
Paypal is good too - you can even tie the payments to your bank account if you want to use it like a debit card, and it gives you some additional security in that you're not giving your card # out to multiple sites. I usually choose the Paypal option to pay when buying online if possible.
This message was last updated by the user at 13:41, Fri 19 July 2013.