Debit or Credit

I use debit to get cash from ATM's, pay cash for most stuff and use my credit card for bigger expenses.

Only for cash advances. I hope people don't use their credit cards for cash (outrageous interest - almost mafia worthy).

otherwise, I use my credit card for reward points.

Also, I like to use my credit card for anything I would charge in case I would need to fight a charge. Whereas with a debit card - once your money is gone out of your checking account, good luck getting it back.

Hi, Susan. If you haven't already, call your bank, and your credit card company, and ask them what fees they will charge for an overseas transaction. This can make a huge difference. (some cards charge pretty grotesque fees).

Other than that, I'd use the credit card as much as you can, that way if there's an emergency, you still have access to ample cash.

Save your debit for when you need cash, if the fees are the same.

susan,
Can you think of any advantage to using a debit card over a credit card for purchases? A negative would be if your card was compromised (they only need the number) your account could be wiped out. Sure your bank could eventually make it good but your vacation could be over by then.

Hopefully, most merchants would not try to charge something to a debit card if somebody gave them the number but did not show the card. But, somebody might be able to make an Internet purchase with the card -- although, increasingly these days, Internet purchases also require you to give the security code on the back of the card.

At any rate, if you lose your card, it's essential to notify your bank as soon as possible. But, that goes for credit cards also.

Would use my debit card for every day purchases and credit card for department stores, etc. Check out Capital One - no transaction fee.

Hi Susan, Be sure to use you credit card on any internet transactions. I bought two round trip tickets to Hawaii on ATA Airline using my credit card. When ATA went out of business, I got a full refund from Visa in two days. If I had used my debit card, I would not have received a timely refund, and I would be in the same pool as all other people and companies that ATA owed money too. But I always use my debit card for cash and for everyday purchases, both at home and when traveling.

Tyler,
Criminals are way ahead. They make conterfiet cards using your data. Here is an old story http://www.hackcanada.com/canadian/scams/globe_10dec99.html
The odds of your information being compromised are way in your favor but do you want to take a chance with your money or the banks money. Your choice pick debit or credit.