On Tue, 07 Dec 2004 22:10:54 -0500, Janet wrote:

That is another big disadvantage to using debit cards, especially if it causes
you to bounce checks even though there is bank physically in the account but it
is effectively locked until the hold expires.

I've never understood why anyone would use a debit card. (Europeans do
this all the time, which right away ought to put you on guard!)

Somebody lifts my wallet and runs out to buy a new plasma TV with the
card they find.

Credit card: I tell Visa, "Fraudelent transaction! Deal with it!" No
problem whatever.

Debit card: I beg the bank not to bounce the checks I've written at
$25 per bounce as long as my checking account is empty. Meanwhile I
can't get any cash at the ATM. Very bad scene.

When my bank issued me a "MasterMoney" card in lieu of the old ATM
card, I made them take it back and provide me with a downmarket card
such as they issue to the students with twenty bucks' balance. I just
don't like the idea of a card in existence that could empty out my
account when used without a PIN.


all the best -- Dan Ford
email: (put Cubdriver in subject line)

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