Debit cards are widely used among consumers.  Some articles have recently suggested that debit cards are less secure that using credit cards.   This is not true.  The same fraud protection that is in place for credit cards, are also in place for debit cards.  Read below for a list of benefits you receive by using your debit card.

Convenience-- It's quicker to pull out a plastic card at the point-of-sale than to write a check. It's also easier to track spending with cards than with cash--and using plastic eliminates the need to even carry cash. According to a MasterCard survey, consumers rate convenience as debit's primary advantage.

* Pay-as-you-go-- With debit, you have the convenience of plastic without carrying a loan balance or paying interest that you would pay with a credit card.

* Balance caps-- Because debit cardholders can only spend the money they have in their checking accounts, debit cards help control spending.

* Security-- Security features built into debit cards help merchants verify that the actual cardholder is the one using the card.

Zero liability-- MasterCard and Visa debit card users have zero liability for any unauthorized use of their cards--a fact that many consumers don't realize. If your card is lost or stolen, you simply report it and close the account. You don't pay for any transactions you didn't make.  Fraudulent charges that were made on your account will be replaced by your financial institution.

* Cash back-- If you use your PIN (personal identification number) for a debit card transaction rather than signing a receipt, you can request cash back at many merchant locations. The merchant will add the cash amount to your transaction total.

* Wide acceptance-- Debit cards are accepted at locations worldwide, while many merchants are reluctant to accept non-local checks.

In order to keep your plastics safe, visit our debit card/credit card safety tips by clicking here. 

Copyright 2008 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.