The content is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.
There has been a growing trend of consumer reliance upon their debit cards through the recent nationwide economic turmoil. While a debit card can be a very useful financial tool especially for people who are trying to train themselves to practice more financially responsible behavior, there are some times when a debit card just won’t do.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
If you like to go online in coffee shops, internet cafes or anywhere else where the online connection is provided via free public WiFi, never use your debit card should you find yourself making a purchase online. Those wireless connections tend to be unsecured and that means that it would be a cinch for a thief to gain access your personal information. Typically, the connections are unsecure and a hacker can gain access to any information you may have on your computer.
Bars & Restaurants
It’s a good habit to get into the habit of using cash when eating out at restaurants or hanging out at a bar. There are too many prying eyes around in those situations that may be feasting themselves on your debit card digits. Also, in the unlikely event that a dishonest employee decides to skim your card they have ample opportunity to do so – eating and drinking establishments are the few places in where your card is whisked away and remains out of your sight for several minutes. Most service industry personnel prefer being tipped in cash, anyway.
Deposits and Rentals
Always use a credit card rather than a debit card when renting equipment or a car. The rental company usually with holds a security deposit for the duration of the rental agreement. While this money is refunded upon your return of whatever it is you borrowed, if you use a credit card instead of a debit card they simply “freeze” a portion of your available balance for the security deposit, which you will likely not even notice, as opposed to tying up a chunk of cash in your checking account.
Shopping Online
If you view the worldwide web as your personal shopping mall, you should find other methods to pay for things rather than dishing out your debit cards details. Despite the afore-mentioned security concern, should you have a problem with your order it can ultimately prove to be a trickier undertaking to have the money refunded to your checking account instead of having it credited back to your credit card.
In the unhappy event that your card number is stolen, you don’t want the integrity of your entire bank account compromised. If you detect and suspicious activity call the Bank and change your account and checking account numbers, It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Also, with all the new debit card fees looming on the horizon, soon using cash or a credit card at the point of sale will save you money!
