Advantage of using a debit card: They make it easy to track spending and ensure that you only spend what you have. And unlike credit cards, debit purchases don’t result in interest charges.
But there are some situations where a debit card isn’t the best option. This article will help you understand when a credit card is better.
Convenience
Debit cards can save time by eliminating the need to carry cash or a checkbook. They can also help speed through checkout and allow you to make purchases at most venues. They’re also safe to use, as you can only spend what’s in your bank account. In addition, most debit cards require a PIN to be used, so they can’t be misused by dishonest people.
Another benefit of using a debit card is that it makes it easier to track spending in real-time. Unlike credit cards, which provide monthly statements that can hide debt utilization, debit transactions take money out of your bank account immediately. This helps you avoid overspending and stick to a budget. Additionally, you can link your debit card to online banking or a budgeting app to see your up-to-the-minute balance. This can help you avoid accumulating debt and save more for your future.
Security
Debit cards allow people to shop with the money they have in their bank account. They have a digital chip or magnetic strip and require a PIN to complete transactions, making them more secure than paper checks. They also connect directly to a person’s checking account, so it is easy to monitor spending.
Debit card purchases are documented and reflected immediately in the user’s bank account, eliminating the danger of spending more than one has and incurring credit card debt. People are also less likely to spend impulsively when they know that their purchases will be instantly deducted from their checking accounts, so this is an excellent tool for controlling spending.
Be sure to choose a PIN that is difficult to guess, like a date of birth or part of their Social Security Number, to keep the card safe from fraudsters. In addition, check the card’s online and mobile banking frequently for any discrepancies, and report them promptly.
Low interest rates
Frugal consumers often prefer debit cards because they don’t carry the same high costs associated with credit cards. Debit card transactions automatically take money from the bank account linked to the card, so users can only spend what they actually have in their accounts. Credit cards, on the other hand, typically charge annual fees, over-the-limit fees, late payment fees and a host of other charges on top of the monthly interest on the outstanding balances.
Debit cards also tend to be safer than cash, as each transaction shows up on the monthly statement and a lost or stolen debit card can be reported to the bank, resulting in the card being blocked and any fraudulent purchases removed from the account. And while debit cards generally don’t build credit history (because the purchases aren’t financed through a line of credit), they can indirectly help improve credit scores by making responsible spending habits easier to maintain.
Plus, many debit cards don’t have annual fees and many checking accounts offer free ATM withdrawals at the bank’s affiliated network. But while debit cards may have fewer fees than credit cards, they still can incur a number of other costs, including overdraft and ATM fees.
Access to cash
Unlike credit cards, debit cards are linked directly to your bank account. This means that when you make a purchase, funds for the amount you spend are pulled from your account almost instantly. This can be a boon for people who are trying to budget or build savings. It also helps you stay on top of your spending and prevent overdraft or return fees, which can add up quickly.
In addition, if you lose your debit card, it’s easier to trace the transaction back to you and get the money back, than losing cash or a checkbook. Merchants also prefer debit card transactions, particularly those made using PIN entry.
Another advantage of debit cards is that they are generally easier to qualify for than credit cards. You can get a debit card with most checking accounts, even if you have poor credit or no credit at all. Additionally, many banks don’t report overdrawn balances from debit cards to consumer credit reporting agencies.