Are you tired of carrying cash around everywhere you go? Do you want an easier and safer way to make purchases without the hassle of credit checks and interest rates? Then a debit card might be just what you need! In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about debit cards, including what they are, how they work, their benefits, and how they differ from credit cards.
İlayda Birol
What exactly is a debit card?
A debit card, also known as a bank card or check card, is a plastic card that can be used to make purchases in place of cash. Unlike credit cards, where the money being spent comes from an issued line of credit, the funds used for each purchase made with a debit card come directly from the cardholder's bank account. Debit cards are widely accepted and can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, or to make purchases in-store, online, or over the phone.
Benefits of using a debit card
Debit cards offer many benefits to their users, including:
No service charges or hidden fees
Unlike credit cards, which often come with hidden fees and interest charges, debit cards do not incur fees or interest on repayments for the user. Although some banks may charge transaction fees for using ATMs owned by different banks, these can usually be avoided by planning ahead and checking the ATMs in the area where the user plans to make their purchases. Not having to pay fees or interest on spending means that the user always has a clear picture of how much they are spending and can separate their spending and savings accounts, making sure to only withdraw a certain amount each month for spending.
Security and fraud protection
Debit card security, especially from major card issuers, is particularly advanced. In addition to the user's four-digit PIN, online purchases are also protected by two-factor authentication and notifications if the card is being used from another device. The user's bank will also contact them if there are any unusual spending habits on their debit card, providing an extra layer of security against fraud.
Laine Redpath
Rewards debit cards
While rewards programs were once exclusive to credit cards, there are now options for rewards collection when spending with a debit card. Certain cards have a points system in place that allows users to collect points with each purchase, which they can later redeem for gift cards, travel, or more shopping.
Lower cost for merchants
Debit cards are cheaper for merchants to accept than credit cards, which is why many merchants may display a sign indicating that they do not take credit cards. This lends to the broader accessibility of debit cards and complements the rewards system, as cardholders will be able to collect rewards from more merchants.
Debit card vs credit card
While debit cards and credit cards are both plastic cards that can be used to make purchases, there are some key differences between the two. Debit cards offer several benefits, such as those outlined above, but they also have some limitations, such as:
Inability to make purchases larger than the current account balance
One of the biggest limitations of debit cards is that they cannot be used to make purchases larger than the current account balance. Credit cards, on the other hand, allow users to make bigger purchases on payment plans, which can be a clear advantage in certain situations.
Less likely to have a rewards system
While some debit cards do offer rewards programs, credit cards tend to offer more generous rewards and perks, such as travel points and cashback bonuses. This is because credit card companies can afford to offer more rewards since they earn money from interest charges and fees.
In conclusion, a debit card is a convenient and secure way to make purchases without having to carry cash around. They offer a range of benefits such as no service charges or hidden fees, security features, rewards programs, and are accepted at more places than credit cards. However, they may not be the best option for building credit or making larger purchases. So, the decision to choose between the two is an important one and depends on your individual financial goals and needs.
As Mark Twain once said, "Always borrow money from a pessimist, he doesn’t expect to be paid back." But whether you choose a debit card or a credit card, always remember to spend wisely and within your means.
