While credit cards and debit cards may look almost identical, not all plastic is the same. Debit cards have different protections and uses.
It’s important to understand the difference between a debit card and a credit card. There’s a difference in how the transactions are processed and the protections offered to consumers when they use them.
While debit cards and credit cards each have advantages, each is also better suited to certain situations. And since a debit card is a direct line to your bank account, there are places where it can be wise to avoid handing it over — if for no other reason than complete peace of mind.
Credit card offers better dispute rights, buyers protection, renters insurance etc.. So it sounds good to use credit card for large purchase of electronics goods and renting a car.
Criminals are getting better with skimmers and planting them in places you’d never suspect — like ATM machines on bank property. So take a good look at the machine or card reader the next time you use an ATM or self-check lane. Does the machine fit together well or does something look off, different or like it doesn’t quite belong? “Make sure it doesn’t look like it’s been tampered with.”