Debit card # 3 in 2 years, Some Info to share for all.

WeldrDave I didn't do it Dave. I promise.

 

I love my debit card as I never know when I'm going to have time to go shopping and I never carry my checkbook, or much cash, around. But, I only use it at physical stores where I can either place it in the reader myself or the person does it in front of me. I've never had an issue with it. I also have a couple of rewards cards for gas stations that can also be used for purchases at those places. Those come directly out of my account. They aren't embossed and I feel safer (real or not) that even if someone put a scanner on the pump, really, they have to be physically at one of those particular stations to use them - so it is unlikely to affect me much as opposed to them getting CC or DC info.

I use a CC for everything that is a large purchase, online, or goes out of my sight. My latest CC's aren't embossed at all.

As far as why I would use a debit card instead of CC - it forces me to track what I've spent on "little" things better when I have to enter them into my checkbook. Groceries, gas, Agway, TSC and Aubuchon's, Rite Aid purchases can add up. Some months I may put off a purchase just because my regular balance is looking low. Doesn't stop me from buying things I need, but at time it does make me think about how bad I want other things.

Only had one time where a transaction was blocked for a purchase in China and that was on a CC (way before DC were out). Only time I've had suspicious activity (knock on wood!)

 

No debit cards here. We use credit cards exclusively p, then pay it all off when the bill comes in. We love using someone else's money, even if for a short period of time.