Debit Cards... Are they free of charges?

Question

I was curious about debit cards, many people who have them tell me they are completely free... but them some other people tell me that they charge you for using them... which is right... is it free or do they charge?

Answer 1

Your bank doesn't charge you for using your debit card, however the banks charge the merchants. Some merchants will pass this fee on to their customers.

It's always safe to ask first...those charges can add up.

Answer 2

It depends. Sometimes you get charged a fee for using it as a debit instead of a credit card - most of them now have a Visa or Mastercard logo on it. There's a bank here in NY that will charge you $1.25 per transaction if you use it as a debit card - where you put in your PIN number, but no fee if you sign for it like a charge. You really have to read the fine print before you say yes to one.

Answer 3

It depends on which bank you are using and what state you are in. When I lived in California you paid for using your debit card no matter what bank you did business with. Here in Arizona it depends on the bank and if they choose to charging you for using it.
I prefer to use the card as a "Credit Card" and avoid the hassle all around...

Answer 4

It depends. Some businesses charge a fee to use it and some dont. For example my hairdresser charges me a $2 fee for using it due to the rising costs of her business banking. But most places usually dont charge.

Answer 5

You need to talk to you're bank and they will explain all of the charges and policy. Usually if you use you're card at an ATM other than you're bank their is a service charge so talk to you're bank.

Answer 6

some are and some are not depending on bank