A debit card is comparably safer, as long as you take a few basic precautions and if fraud does occur, as long as you catch it quickly you can count on being reimbursed.
The recent rise of "skimmers" have made many consumers think twice about using their debit cards when making purchases. Especially at places like the gas pump, or even online. The answer is quite simple. Yes, debits cards are secure and have many safety benefits over both cash and credit.
As much as you might resist it, debit cards should not be used to pay for online transactions; a credit card is always safer for e-commerce. You're not as protected against fraud when you use a debit card, and disputes with those cards can be difficult to resolve.
And with more and more businesses now offering the option of debit card payments, it's more convenient than ever. Security. Although some consumers might think that debit card payments are less secure than the paper variety, many experts suggest otherwise, pointing out that cash or checkbooks are easily lost or stolen.
Debit card payment protection and chargeback
Debit card payments and purchases are not covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. But you might be able to make a claim for a refund under a voluntary scheme called 'chargeback'. This might cover purchases of any value made on debit, credit or prepaid cards.
Credit cards offer better consumer protections against fraud compared with debit cards linked to a bank account. Newer debit cards offer more credit card–like protection, while many credit cards no longer charge annual fees.
If you want to keep your money safe, use electronic bill payments instead of personal checks. Some people cling to their checkbooks, but the traditional checkbook is going the way of phone booths, VCRs and newspapers – all victims of the Digital Age.
Skimming. Identity thieves can retrieve account data from your card's magnetic strip using a device called a skimmer, which they can stash in ATMs and store card readers. They can then use that data to produce counterfeit cards. EMV chip cards, which are replacing magnetic strip cards, can reduce this risk.
Data breaches
Capable hackers are able to crack the security on merchants and other card data holders, and access large volumes of card data.
Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.
ATM and Debit Cards
Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act, your liability is: $0 if you report the loss or theft of the card immediately and before any unauthorized charges are made. up to $50 if you notify the bank within two business days after you realize the card is missing.
Money in a U.S. checking account is FDIC insured, so it's "safe" in the sense that you don't have to worry about a run on the bank or going out of business. Purchase fraud is something else entirely -- you need to check with your bank and see what their policy is for unauthorized charges made with your debit card.
Criminals are using skimmers to grab debit and credit card off the card scanners at the grocery store. The criminals then take your card information and use it to steal your money. If you have a debit card, this could mean your bank account is wiped out in a matter of a few hours.
Credit cards are covered by the Truth in Lending Act, which places the maximum liability for fraudulent charges at $50. ... The law also offers dispute protection and fair credit billing that allows you to stop payment on purchases.
– U.S. Bank charges customers in some states $0.25 for each PIN debit. ... Another reason the banks push debit cards is that the customers are more likely to generate overdraft fees that way. When the customers switch from writing checks to using debit cards, they often also ditch their check register.
With a debit card, you're able to track your purchases in real-time because transactions take money directly out of your bank account immediately, unlike credit cards which provide monthly statements. This can make purchases easy to forget, until your payment due date or when you catch it online.
No Debt – With a credit card it's easy to purchase anything you want, even if you don't have the funds. With debit cards, the money comes directly from your bank account, so you avoid spending more money than you have. ... Avoiding late fees, annual fees and interest charges can save you a bundle.
Your bank should refund any money stolen from you as a result of fraud and identity theft. They should do this as soon as possible - ideally by the end of the next working day after you report the problem.