02/07/2023
6 PLACES YOU SHOULD NEVER USE A DEBIT CARDβΌοΈπ³
You should never even think about using a debit card in any of these situations:
1) BUYING AIRLINE TICKETS β Lots of things can go wrong when flying the βfriendlyβ skies β up to and including your airline going bust. For example, travelers who booked using WOW Air using a debit card had no way to get their money back when the airline went out of business in 2019.
2) USING INDEPENDENT ATMs β You increase your risk of becoming a victim of skimmers if you use unbranded ATMs. While skimmers can be found on bank ATMs, too, theyβre less likely because there are often security cameras in place.
3) PAYING AT THE PUMP β When you swipe your debit card at the gas pump, the station usually puts a $1 hold on your account to validate the account. Sometimes that amount is a lot more than a dollar and the hold lasts more than a few hours. That scenario could cause you to overdraft the account. If you must pay with debit at a gas station, go inside and pay at the cashier to avoid this.
4) BUYING ONLINEβ A credit card is a much better option when buying anything online. If you donβt get your merchandise or something else goes wrong with the transaction, you can do a chargeback during a 60-day window and get your money back from the bank that issued your card.
5) DINING OUTβ Because there is such high turnover at some restaurants, you run the risk of a dishonest employee getting access to your digits.
6) PURCHASING APPLIANCESβ Many credit cards will double the manufacturerβs warranty on products purchased with the card, giving you extra peace of mind when youβre making a large purchase. Debit cards certainly wonβt do this!