A warning for frequent debit card swipers

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  Posted by Katie B Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:10am PDT

  Hmm... I only use my debit card online for places that I trust, like Amazon, Kohl's... that kind of thing not someplace obscure that I'm not sure of... and we use it for bills... same goes for the pin... we really watch our debit card use (and we use it quite a bit) to make sure things don't go arye. We even get our bank to send us emails everytime our debit card is used for an online purchase or over a certian amount (which can be quite annoying at sometimes, but I would rather be mildly annoyed than to have something go very wrong)

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  Posted by springtime Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:15am PDT

  I don't use a debit card for the reasons you listed. I use credit cards frequently. I pay them off each month, so no problem.

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  Posted by Leah Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:30am PDT

  I prefer using PayPal for online purhases...when it's offered. That way I'm covered.

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  Posted by Mag Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:54am PDT

  with the credit card fees being 'tested' right now I feel you are a bit tardy with this blog.

  Debit will be the way to go soon.(Of course the banker will charge us there too eventually)

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  Posted by SAMRANREBA Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:10am PDT

  Here's one thing that I have done, is to have my checking account billing address zip code be different from my home address. If someone steals my card, they will not know what my billing zip code is. some gas stations allow you you to use a credit card at the pump with just the zip code. Use a P.O. Box # for you billing address.

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  Posted by Katie B Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:13am PDT

  I agree Mag, I just heard on the radio this morning that people who pay off their credit cards every month and don't keep a balance on it will pay a fee every year... because they are no longer allowed to siphon money from the irresponsible users... :/ Which really stinks, because we are almost done paying off our credit cards from the tail end of college and getting married... and we are planning on using them only for vacations, emergencies and for major purchases.. :-/

  So far it's just the Bank of America Credit Cards...

  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_bi_ge/us_bank_of_america_annual_fees

  I hope that this proves to be unprofitable and it doesn't extend anywhere else....

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  Posted by m Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:15am PDT

  I'm sorry to say that I have done all of those things...and have for more than 20 yrs. However, I am trying very hard to break that habit....whereas I felt secure using the debit card in the past, I now feel more secure using a credit card.

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  Posted by amana Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:02am PDT

  In an attempt to take charge of my finances, I've put my credit card away in favor of using cash, check, or if need be my debit card. Last week I signed up for a gym membership and to pay for it they needed my card information. I hesitantly gave them my debit card information and have been pondering it ever since. I don't carry a balance on my credit card, its completely paid off and I have no intention on using it unless want to make an online purchase. If I was to put my gym membership on my credit card that would likely be the only thing on it every month which would be just one more payment Id have to remember to make. But I'm still pondering it..

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  Posted by jen Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:15am PDT

  I use my debit card for most of my in-store purchases. I find it easier to keep track of my finances this way, cause all of my purchases are recorded in one spot. However, I NEVER use my debit card online. It's always a credit card. Once that money from your account is gone, it's gone. Not much you can do to prevent it.

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  Posted by Rebekah Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:59am PDT

  Am I the only one who thinks that number 2 doesn't make any sense? Using your debit card online is not the same thing as having your debit card stolen. If your debit card is stolen, there is nothing to stop the thief from using it online--but it won't make a difference if you use it online or not. It's two different subjects. Of course you should only use it at reputable sites (and paypal is the best option I know of), but the same is true for your credit card. And, quite frankly, I don't have or want credit cards--I've had them in the past and been royally screwed.

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