What are your thoughts on "debit cards"?

Answer 1

I very rarely use cash anymore but am concerned about the electronic footprint they leave behind . . . Sometimes I actually have to remind myself that the government doesn't care what kind of shoes I buy . . .

Answer 2

A debit card can do anything a credit card can except get you in debt. Both Visa and MasterCard require banks issuing cards with their logo to provide the same fraud protection for debit cards as they provide for credit cards. This means Debit cards have ALL the advantages of credit cards and lack the most significant disadvantage.

Answer 3

Bad idea from a security stand point. Good idea if you use them *instead* of a charge card.
I don't have a debit card and never will. I pay off our credit card bills at the end of each month. We never let a balance accrue.
The whole business of using a debit card so you won't spend more than you have is nonsense. Why would you want to spend *everything* in your account. Better to keep track of your finances and set yourself some limits.

Answer 4

Beats writing checks for things you don't need to keep records of. Harder to bank rec because name is not always apparent on statement. I understand that it will not go thru without having a balance but I have seen some bounce so you need to be as careful with your bookkeeping of debits as you should be with checks. It's easy to pay and easy to forget what you have spent.

Answer 5

DEBIT CARDS ARE OK BUT CAN GET YOU INTO TROUBLE IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL...

Answer 6

If you use them properly they are great. Same as a credit card.

Answer 7

Just like any ATM card.
U will not over spend,spend only what U have in your bank.

Answer 8

Plastic check...the only to shop!

Answer 9

Plastic cash...