Are Credit Union Debit cards credit cards too?

Question

I opened a checking and savings account today at a credit union and was denied a debit card for my checkings account because of my credit.

How can they do that, it's my own money? My bank didn't do that.

Im wondering that at credit unions that your debit card is also a credit card? I think it said visa checkings.

Thats not what i asked, I asked are credit union debit cards also credit cards, meaning can you charge credit with them. Otherwise how can i be turned down for a debit card?

Answer 1

No credit unions debit cards are not credit cards.

I agree it is stupid, it is your own money. I would advise you to find another bank that does not do credit checks for checking or a debit card.

Here what I came across when I was looking for checking account.

Some banks & credit unions only check for bad checks using telecheck or check system

Some banks & credit unions only check credit for debit cards.

Other banks & credit unions check credit for both debit & a checking account.

Since, you want a debit card, I would go into the branch and ask to speak with someone. Then ask them. What is the difference in using a check than using a debit card? A lot of checks are now electronically processed. I would withdraw most of money on Monday if they are no help. You may have to keep it open for 180 business days. I would leave at least $1.00 plus any service charge or check order fees. You do not want to zero out your account. Just remember to deposit the service charge once a month (Including on the last month that you will be closing your account)

Answer 2

I have a credit union debit card, and it's a visa card, so it's the same as a bank card. Ask them what you have to do to get a debit card. You might have to deposit the money into a secured account -- like a CD -- or have a low limit or something. This is a shame, I really like credit unions, I think they're much better than banks. Ask them for their advice, they should give it to you.

Answer 3

A checking account at a credit union is exactly like a checking account at a bank. Their debit cards are also exactly like bank debit cards. They'll say Mastercard or Visa, and you can use them everywhere Mastercard or Visa are accepted. "Smaller" doesn't mean "worse".

Answer 4

Unfortunately, not everyone has instantaneous/automatic processing of credit cards. If they gave you a debit card and you used it as a credit card at some small store that still uses the imprint method, you could charge more to your bank account than is deposited.

That's all I can think of.

Answer 5

Technically ... NO, they are not. That said, any financial institution may elect not to provide it's customers such a card if they have reason to do so. I assume without knowledge the CU did so based on the credit report. They can and do use their own judgment. They are NOT bound by the judgment of your old bank.
All you can do is ask them to provide the name and contact information of the service they obtained the information from. The law says they must do so.
YOU may then obtain a copy of your credit report to see if anything is not factual. If it is not factual, you have the right to dispute the information that is not factual.