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When you use your card, keep a watchful eye on the person handling your debit card when you pay for something to prevent them from stealing your card information. This is a common scenario with debit cards and it is simply better to be safe than sorry later on. Take note of your card’s liability policy as well. This is to ensure that you have adequate protection from fraudulent charges. The thing with fraudulent charges is that you can only be protected if you use signature debit cards and the like so consider this aspect when applying for debit cards.
Know which type of debit card you have, and ask your bank whether you have a choice. Some consumers have complained that the bank changed their ATM card to a debit card that does not require a PIN without letting them know. Always protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place, just as you would cash, credit cards or checks. Do not leave your debit card lying around the house or on your desk at work. If your card is lost or stolen, or you suspect it is being used fraudulently, report it immediately to your bank. If your card is lost or stolen, close your account and ask your bank for a new account number and PIN. Hold on to receipts from your debit transactions. Don’t throw them in public trashcans or even in your own trash without first shredding them. Crooks are known to “dumpster-dive” for documents that have account numbers and other personal information. Memorize your PIN and do not write it on your card. Don’t choose a PIN a smart thief could figure out, such as letters corresponding to your birth date or your phone number. Never give your PIN to anyone, keep it private.

A debit card (also known as a bank card or check card) is a plastic card that provides an alternative payment method to cash when making purchases. Functionally, it can be called an electronic cheque, as the funds are withdrawn directly from either the bank account, or from the remaining balance on the card. In some cases, the cards are designed exclusively for use on the Internet, and so there is no physical card.Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump.

Credit. Every time you use a credit card, you are actually borrowing money that is made available to you by a bank or other financial institution. The institution pays the debt to the vendor, and in turn, you pay the money back to the institution. By signing up for a credit card, you agree to pay back the money that you borrowed, in addition to any interest drawn on the amount you borrowed.
Debit. Odds are, you have a debit card in your wallet or purse right now, since many ATM cards are programmed to have debit options. Issued by your bank, debit cards take funds directly from the money that you have in your bank account–in a sense acting like a check, just faster. With a debit card, you don’t have to carry cash or checks, and it is very convenient to shop at a variety of places including gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores. They provide instant access to your money and are accepted worldwide.
Debit cards are used like credit cards, meaning that the store you are shopping at ‘swipes’ them, and then you sign off on the receipt. You don’t have to show a picture ID, and there is usually no PIN number for you to punch in.

Credit. Every time you use a credit card, you are actually borrowing money that is made available to you by a bank or other financial institution. The institution pays the debt to the vendor, and in turn, you pay the money back to the institution. By signing up for a credit card, you agree to pay back the money that you borrowed, in addition to any interest drawn on the amount you borrowed.

Debit. Odds are, you have a debit card in your wallet or purse right now, since many ATM cards are programmed to have debit options. Issued by your bank, debit cards take funds directly from the money that you have in your bank account–in a sense acting like a check, just faster. With a debit card, you don’t have to carry cash or checks, and it is very convenient to shop at a variety of places including gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores. They provide instant access to your money and are accepted worldwide.Debit cards are used like credit cards, meaning that the store you are shopping at ‘swipes’ them, and then you sign off on the receipt. You don’t have to show a picture ID, and there is usually no PIN number for you to punch in.