VISA check cards vs. plain old ATM cards.(question)

[skypilot]

What exactly are the advantages of a VISA check card as opposed to a regular ATM card? My bank just sent me a letter inviting me to come in and apply for a check card. Aside from the fact that more places accept them than accept regular ATM cards, what advantage is there? I'm wary of them because when I see people using them to make a purchase it appears that no PIN is required. This means that if you lose it it can be used by whoever finds it, whereas with an ATM card the retailer needs your PIN for the purchase. Am I mistaken about this? Have I just been using my regular ATM card too long?

[kick-ass-bob]

1. but they're supposed to check your id.

right? right??

Yes - it just functions like a credit card, except with direct access to your money.

[skypilot]

8. That's what I thought but...

...I don't see that happening. That's why I've been apprehensive about getting one.

[fob]

15. That's why I DON'T SIGN my cards I write in marker to CHECK ID

it's not foolproof, but why give someone a signature handwriting sample to practice with should you lose it?

Experience with doing this shows good results so far, most clerks read the back and then look at me and say, "Can I see your ID?"

[drbtg1]

20. The US Postal Service will NOT allow cards with "Check ID"

[kick-ass-bob]

23. then they are idiots.

I'm not signing so someone else can copy my sig.

[drbtg1]

27. I don't think they're doing it for physical card theft...

... as if someone stole your wallet. I think they're doing it for cards where the magnetic stripe info was stolen and put on another card. Or for cards that were obtained without the original owner's knowledge and a fake ID was also produced.

Not very idiotic.

[LoganW]

35. According to the Uniform Commerical Code

a freaking X is a signature under law. It doesn't matter WHAT your signature looks like. Which is good, considering I can only write in print.

[fob]

29. Huh? Could you clarify? Because if you're saying the USPS

will not accept a check card that has "Check ID" written in permanent marker where the signature block is you are mistaken.

Maybe you came across a particular person who rejected it or something, but I've used my card described as above and never been rejected at any USPS office. BTW, if you pay online exactly how do they verify your signature? I simply show it the back of my card where it says "Check ID" and there hasn't been a website to reject me yet! :evilgrin:

[Heddi]

32. At my post office, there is a LARGE sign on the door

and at the register that says:

The United States Postal Service will not accept Credit Cards and Debit Cards that are not signed prior to entering the Post Office and they will not be accepted as a form of payment. Cards that are signed at the desk will not be accepted as a form of payment. Thank you for your consideration and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause"

:shrug:

[Left Is Write]

37. We have the same sign at our post office.

[northzax]

66. well technically

if the card is not signed, it is invalid. read the fine print on your cardholder agreement. in fact, it says, right under the signature strip: "not valid unless signed' So USPS is actually following the letter of their merchant agreement with VISA.

I had them question it once, and I signed the slip "CHECK ID" told them that was my signature. They had to accept it.

[fob]

75. When they checked your ID and it said North Zax and NOT Check ID

did they give you a hassle?

:evilgrin:

And that's my point, "signed" does not ONLY mean your signature

[drbtg1]

39. Official USPS policy

Posted right at the service counter at my post office. Not some sort of homemade sign here.

But you're saying you found post office employees that don't do everything they're supposed to do. Why am I NOT surprised?

Fob, if you're able to use your card in ways that help you even though a certain establishment says you shouldn't, then I'm glad things worked out for you. I am simply posting to help out the original poster. Obviously, online use is not applicable for this "Check ID" discussion.

[drbtg1]

41. To Heddi and Left is Write

Thank you for your comments

[fob]

50. Do you know if the sign IS the official USPS language?

The United States Postal Service will not accept Credit Cards and Debit Cards that are not signed prior to entering the Post Office and they will not be accepted as a form of payment. Cards that are signed at the desk will not be accepted as a form of payment. Thank you for your consideration and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause

I haven't seen that at any of the 3 or 4 PO's I frequent. Also my card is "signed", I signed it with "Check ID" instead of my name. I see that as similar to endorsing a check at a bank. If you want to cash you you will sign your name, but if you want to deposit it you don't have to sign your name, you can write "For Deposit Only" on it and that's "signed".

BTW, drbtg1 this isn't a pissing contest to see how many we can get to agree with our perspective posts. You posted something that was unclear and I asked for a clarification. I also gave my experience that based on your not completely clear statement, when maybe I should have waited for the clarification to do so. I am asking questions because obviously you have information that I do not.

:toast: to you, and my apologies if I sounded harsh.

For the larger issue, what exactly is the official policy intended to do? For example I get my new card when the old one expires via MAIL! So if my card expires and I go to the PO to pick up the new one, then by this policy I can't use it there unless I take it outside, sign it and then return? How long do I have to be outside for it to be considered NOT the same visit? Is this official policy backed up with some LAWS? Can they really refuse my form of payment because it's not "signed" prior to entering the building? What if I have a phone with internet service and use my "unsigned" card INSIDE a PO, will it not accept my purchase?

I'm not being silly with my above questions either, can anyone tell me what this policy is REALLY for?

[LoganW]

56. Most USPS locations are not supposed to take credit cards

only check cards. This is because the fed gov does not want to get money on loan to you.

BTW - according to the Uniform Commerical Code (which is the law in most states) your writing "Check ID" IS a signature. It's the same as writing Bob Smith. In fact, the UCC says

"A signature may be made (i) manually or by means of a device or machine, and (ii) by the use of any name, including a trade or assumed name, or by a word, mark, or symbol "

If you put an X you've just signed it. If you put a dot you've just signed it. You write a word, you've just signed it.

[northzax]

67. well actually, when you get your new card in the mail

you have to call from the listed number to activate it. So unless your number is your cell phone (it is for me, actually) you'd have to leave the PO to use the card anyway.

[fob]

69. Not exactly. I do get cards that you have to "call to activate" but none

require the "call" in "call to activate" from a specific place/number.

Oh crap, don't tell me your PO has a sign that says that too!
:evilgrin:

[Heddi]

73. I've never had to call from my home phone either

but once (and only once) I tried to activate my card via my cellphone and the call wouldn't go through, but it would when I used my land-line.

:shrug:

[northzax]

85. I just got my new Debit card

and I had to call from the number listed on my account. I tried from my office, but it wouldn't take it.

maybe this is the new thing? after all, anyone can get access to my Social, or my zip code, but actually using my phone requires a whole nother level of activity.

[Heddi]

68. I'm not trying to get into a pissing contest :)

This sign is at the 2 post offices I use in Yakima, WA. It was also present at the post office I used when I lived in Seattle (Ballard Branch).

I don't know why the post office has this policy, but I would guess that in the case of an unsigned card---if they don't accept unsigned cards that are signed at the desk, I suppose that would prevent someone who had an unsigned card (whether fraudulently or legitimately) from saying "oh, well, now my card is signed" and using it for purchases.

I know in Yakima and in Seattle, (and I'm sure everywhere around the country) there is a very large issue with not only identity theft, but people stealing mail and using cards received through the mail that are essentially "new" and therefore unsigned. Many people in my neighborhood now have locks on their mailboxes and little slits cut in the door of the mailbox for mail placement because mail theft has become pretty much common place.

I would assume that the "no unsigned cards" rule is to prevent someone who has stolen a card from the mailbox from using it as if it were their own. If it's not signed, the signature can't be checked against signature on an ID (which most likely wouldn't be in the name of the cardholder to begin with)

[fob]

74. All valid points but none of those things are prevented by having

a "signed" card before you come into the PO.

If you have a legitimate card and sign it at the desk, what do they gain by not allowing you to use it?

If you have an illegtimate card and sign it at the desk, wouldn't it benefit them to go forawrd with the transaction and ask for ID? If you don't have ID, or ID that doesn't match, then there's probably a problem but just saying no you signed that here at the desk go away, I don't get what that does. The official sign just seems like instructions on how to use a fraudulent card at the PO and get away with it.

I can just see it, hey billy bob take this stolen check card and buy me some stamps and a Mickey Mouse poster, just make sure you sign the back BEFORE you go into the post office or they'll throw you out and no stamps and no POSTER!

As for stealing of new, unsigned cards, as someone else said they've added "call to activate" features to the cards so if the thief is aware of you enough to be able to activate it, then they should be able to figure out via the helpful PO provided instructions, to sign the card before presenting it for use.

Again my ramblings aren't aimed at you, I agree you raise valid issues I just don't see where this "official policy" does a damn thing to address any of those issues.

[drbtg1]

78. Okay, that's cool

I thought it was clear, but I agree I didn't give all the documentation. I figured if someone wanted more info, they'd post a query. Instead, I got post #29, where, in my opinion, I saw my info was challenged, an unrelated tangent about internet-signature verification, and finished with the evilgrin smilie.

My thanking of Heddi and Left is Write was in no way to be part of a pissing contest but rather to thank them for backing me up.

I could say more, but it's really not worth it. The most important thing: you gave me a :toast: and I appreciate it. Its been a long day and I could use a beer.

Right back at you :toast:

[fob]

80. Ahhh, delicious! Thanks.

[ohio_liberal]

16. Nobody has ever checked my ID

n/t

[silverlib]

correct with the exception of some

banking institutions that now do cover unauthorized use of the the ATM card/Visa.

Most credit unions cover them and some banks.

[bryant69]

2. It works like a credit card

Anybody who takes it is supposed to look at it and look at your signature or your drivers liscence to determine if it is you. Personally I find it convenenient to have one - but I can udnerstand the risks involved.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[WLKjr]

70. That too and most banks won't charge you to use it

your checking account is just in a card form now, you can only charge what you have in. If you use it as a debit, then it gets taht 1.50 out of you and maybe even more in some cases.

[rockedthevoteinMA]

3. You can use it either as a Debit card or credit - but the only thing

is, you can't charge anything more than what's in your bank account. The pain in the *ss thing is, you can't rent a car with one (at least here in MA).

[skypilot]

9. This makes sense....

...because I was also wondering how they differed from actual credit cards.

[skypilot]

11. OK, so you can't rent a car with one.

Does this mean that you also can't use it to, say, open an account at a video store or other establishment where they require a credit card number to open an account for you?

[Heddi]

13. I've used my Visa Debit to open an account at the video store

They only want a way of being able to charge you if you skip town with their rentals. If they charge your debit and you don't have $$ in the bank, you'll get hit with NSF fees.

Also, if you have overdraft protection on your account, your Credit/Debit will be valid up to the amount of your overdraft protection, even if you don' thave the actual money in your account.

We have $5,000 overdraft protection. If I had $10 in the account, and wanted to charge $250, I could--it would just come out of overdraft instead of my account.

You can use it just like a credit card---think of your checking account balance as your credit limit on your card

ON EDIT:

i've rented a car (in WA & SC) with a Visa Check Card. I think again it depends what your 'limit' is. We've got a high overdraft protection limit, which puts us at a high 'limit' when you count both the amount in checking and the overdraft limit.

However, if you don't have overdraft and only $250 in your bank, you probably won't be able to rent a car with your Visa Check Card since theyw ant to insure that you have the $$ to pay for any charges or damages.

[skypilot]

14. Thanks Heddi.

Thanks to all of you. You've cleared up alot for me.

[Heddi]

17. I like having a Visa CheckCard over a regular Debit

A bank I used to use just had Debit cards and I couldn't use it ANYWHERE. Even the grocery stores gave me a hard time because it would come up on their screens as an ATM (which you can only use at an ATM machine) when it was a debit (which you can use at retail outlets). So I switched to another bank that offered Visa CheckCard and haven't had a problem since.

There was also an instance last year where I thought my wallet was stolen and they (visa & bank people) were very helpful with regards to cancelling the old account and card, setting up a new card, and investigating any charges to see if they were made fraudulently (come to find out, my wallet was just misplaced, but they were really helpful).

See my edit to the above post about Car Rentals.

[LeftyMom]

18. Depends on the policy of the store

I've never had a problem using one for that purpose. The only tiem I've run into a problem usng one was renting a car.

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. You can use them to rent a car in Michigan. You can use them for

anything you would use a credit card for. :hi:

[skypilot]

22. Cool.

I think I'll get one as I transition towards getting a credit card. I've never had a credit card before. I usually just save up the money I need and pay cash or check. I've got to start hanging with the grownups.:)

[rockedthevoteinMA]

25. No, I was able to open an account at the video store - it probably

is some screwy Massachusetts law about the car rental thing. :eyes: We do have some serious issues with car insurance and such. It probably differs by state.

I think the Visa check card is great - because I don't have to worry that I won't be able to pay the bill.

[shanti]

58. why can't you rent a car with them?

they look just like a credit card, so how would the rental place know?

[rockedthevoteinMA]

They told us we couldn't rent a car with it.

Mine says "check card" on it. I don't know if it has to do with insurance or something- we have whacky insurance laws in this state.

Edited to add: They wouldn't tell me why, they just said they don't accept them, at any of the rental places in MA.

[girl gone mad]

82. It has to do with the rental car company you choose, and with 9/11 laws.

I would be surprised if Hertz gave you trouble, they are the easiest to deal with in my experience.

When I went to my dad's funeral, I had a one way plane ticket because I was driving back to TX with my mom. I tried every rental car company at the Orlando airport, but none would rent to me because they said I had to have a return ticket or a credit card, except for Hertz (they were literally the last renatl place I tried).

[trogdor]

72. You could, but...

...they tie up a bunch of your money in your checking account that you may or may not spend, and that can be a pain in the ass.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

76. You can now-some rental car locations accept debit cards

Alamo and Thrift usually accept them across the board.

[rinsd]

4. My understanding....

A) Check cards are accepted by any establishment that accepts Visa/MasterCard. Debit cardss are only accepted by establishments that have the capability to process them

B) With a check card, you sign a slip just like with a credit card. If you need to withdraw cash on top of your purchase, your pin number is usually required.

[Avalux]

5. You can use it as a credit card

and you'll have a pin and can use it as an ATM card too. Either way, the money comes directly out of your account.

[Warpy]

6. VISA is now pushing the notion that you're not going to be

hit with massive charges if your check card is stolen and somebody else uses it to charge up a lot of junk. That's one advantage. Another is that online purchases get easier when your ATM card goes VISA.

They're supposed to use a PIN number, but this doesn't apply to all stores (where they just get careless) or to online purchases. The added protection that VISA confers could come in handy in case the card is stolen.

[Heddi]

7. My understanding is

that it's more widely accepted as "visa" (credit card) since not every place takes Debit AND Credit--some places only take Credit---

Restaurants (sit in) for example, usually only take Credit. If you had a non-visa, non MC debit card, most likely the charge would not go through since they don't have the debiting capability (where you enter your pin, etc). However, if your debit card is Visa/MC backed, it can be used as a Credit Card without having to use a pin.

THe money still comes out of your checking account directly though.

Also, there may be protections against fraudulent use if it's a Visa/MC Debit as opposed to a regular debit card, where you're generally NOT covered for fraudulent use..but this I'm not sure about since my bank is great and covers everything, debit or credit-card related, if used fraudulently

[atre]

33. Sorry, that's not true

The definition of "debit card" in the relevant act covering unauthorized uses includes cards that qualify as both debit and credit (i.e. check cards). There is no heightened protection for check cards; in fact, because use is possible without any identifying security measure, there is little protection at all. It's possible that VISA or MC provide you more protection than the law requires, but that is doubtful considering they were the moving force behind the adoption of the EFTA.

[LoganW]

43. Visa and MC

offer you full protection from unauthorized use. My god man, a 2 minute look at the visa or MC web site will tell you that. Do your homework please.

[butchcjg]

10. Just like a credit card

It's just like usuing a credit card. They dont check for ID, but they check the signature (or are supposed to.)

The benefit is that you can use it anywhere a credit card is accepted (liek restaurants).

For people without the credit score to get a real credit card, they can be a blessing. They allow you to buy online, make hotel reservations, and eat in restaurants without having to have cash.

I've always had a Visa (Or Mastercard) check card and have never had problems.

[skypilot]

12. See my other question at post #11

Thanks.

[ernstbass]

21. If I use my visa check card as atm I get charged a fee

If I use it as credit card, there is no fee - my bank also offers protection re: theft of card, disputes over purchases, etc

[drbtg1]

24. check with your bank regarding fees

Some banks will now charge a fee for POP transactions when you use a card like a debit card (requires a PIN) but not like a credit card (requires a signature).

Also, if you use a card as a credit card based transaction, don't expect to do a "cash back" transaction. That's only for debit card transactions.

On the business end of things (I accept both credit and debit cards at my practice), the fees for debit card and credit card transactions are different. For me, debit card transactions cost me less. If you are given the choice of doing a "debit or credit" at a business that you actually care about, you may want to say "whichever you prefer".

[RebelOne]

26. Everywhere I use my check card, I have to enter my PIN.

It's even getting that way at the gas pump.

[skypilot]

28. That's good to know...

...because that was the sticking point for me.

[atre]

30. Check Cards are BAD!!!!!!!!!!

Check Cards give you the nonexistent security protection of a credit card WITHOUT the protection provided against unauthorized uses by the the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (IIRC) that debit cards enjoy. Like credit cards, check cards have no truly effective security measure like the PIN code. Just like with debit cards, unauthorized uses of check cards must be reported within 2 days after receiving a statement from the bank (compared to credit cards, for which all you need to do is protest the unauthorized use and the credit card company charges back to the merchant).

You do not want a check card.

[skypilot]

31. I've heard the "pro" side...

...thanks for the "con" point of view. Definitely something to consider.

[LoganW]

40. He's full of it

You have whatever protection your bank and/or visa/mastercard offer you, which usually is VERY similar to what you get with a credit card.

[Left Is Write]

45. I agree, and I have very good security protection on my card.

I've been using a check card for years.

The one time I lost my card, I called the bank as soon as I discovered it and was told I would not be liable for any fraudulent charges. They then cancelled the number, issued me a new number, and sent a replacement card with the new number. That way, even if someone HAD found the card and tried to use it, it would have been rejected as an invalid card number.

[butchcjg]

60. They're not THAT bad

They're not THAT bad....

The only reason I dont like them is that it's MUCH harder to protest any charges like it is on a regular credit card. On a regulard card, the credit card company will help you resolve disputes and not pay the matter til the merchant responds. But with bank cards, you're kinda screwed.

[ChiciB1]

34. I Always Have To Use My PIN #

when I use it at a grocery store. And the banks are pushing the use too because I got a notice from my bank saying that I would get some sort of discount by using it.

Since most of the ATM's now require you to pay at least a $1.00 to withdraw money, I've started using it for more things, such as gas, groceries etc.

[Left Is Write]

38. I never use my PIN when running my check card as a credit card.

That's only required when running it as a debit card, which I don't ever do. (I only need use my PIN when using the ATM.)

Also, unless it's a cash emergency, the only ATMs I use are the ones owned by my bank. No charge to use them for bank customers.

[skypilot]

46. OK, this is where I'm still kinda confused.

An earlier poster said "Think of you account balance as your credit card limit" or something like that. If the money for my purchase is simply coming out of my checking account how is this different from a debit card purchase? I mean, you are still paying NOW and not LATER as you would be doing with a credit card, right? I'm getting confused all over again.

[LoganW]

48. Here is the difference

WITH the PIN number you

1. Can get CASH back. (from your checking)

2. The transaction shows up IMMEDIATELY on your statement. (especially helpful if you online bank)

IF you do *not* use the PIN and charge

1. You can not get cash back.

2. The transaction can take around 2-3 days to show up on your statement. (like a credit card)

The check card is NOT a line of credit. So if you don't have the money in your checking account it's not going to work. (some banks let you have $100 or so over what you actually have in case of emergency, but expect a fee)

[Heddi]

71. Completely

Whenever I use my card as a check-card (Debit), the charges show up as PENDING within about 30 minutes of the transaction (when I check my account online).

When I use my card as a credit card (no PIN needed), the charges won't show up for at least 2 days, just like with my non-debit Credit Card.

[rinsd]

49. I'll try to explain...

The earlier poster is correct that your checking account balance is your credit limit.

The check card is different because it is accepted just like a credit card in places where a debit card may not be accepted, in restaurants for example.

There may be a fee for this but there is no interest charges. Though some may have additional actual credit after you've exhuasted your checking account balance, but as long as you don;t overdraw you should be fine.

[Left Is Write]

54. The money IS coming out of my checking account, but

the process to run the charge is different. It is run just as a credit card without the use of a PIN (signature generally required except by automated systems), and this is particularly handy in places that do not accept debit cards as payment.

For me, running the card as a credit card is what gets me cash back from my bank. I never use my PIN except at the ATM.

[Left Is Write]

36. Running it as credit requires a signature, same as a credit card.

I use my Visa check card ALLLL the time. I get cash back for using it, deposited right into my checking account once a year.

[sendero]

42. Can you do a "chargeback"...

.... using a Visa check card?

Because the ability to dispute and charge-back a fraudulent charge, or a situation where you cannot come to a fair agreement with a merchant, is one of the few reasons to use a CC at all IMHO.

Does anyone know?

[LoganW]

44. Yes you can

it will be somewhat more up to your bank, however.

[butchcjg]

62. You can, but not to same degree

It's much more difficult with the check card and so if you're going to make a major purchase, I *wouldnt* use your check card....

The reason is that...If you purchase something with an actual credit card, you havent actually given any *money* over yet. The credit card company has the power to negotiate with the merchant, etc. And, you can negotiate with the credit card company b/c you havent paid yet.

With the check card, the money is out of your hands automatically from the get-go. It becomes much harder from that point on b/c they already have your money.

And, in many cases, it's hard and you have to prove that there was some sort of "fraud" goign on, etc.

I have a check card and use it all the time for grocery store, restaurants, etc....but, for bigger purchases it's best not to.

[BamaGirl]

47. Ok things must be really different here lol

because I use my atm card everywhere, including the gas station and fast food. I always pay cash at restaurants, and if they aren't taking atm cards yet, I'm sure they will be soon! I'm anti-credit, so one of these cards is not something I'll be getting even if everyone decides to stop taking atm cards. They all still take checks lol. I like that you have to have a pin too. (Although, my parents card does not require a pin.)

[LoganW]

51. Yes more places are taking debit

but it depends. A lot of people don't realize a place will take debit, and if you present a check card they will just charge it.

[DebinTx]

52. Do not think that your ATM card is a credit card

any purchases made by you or whomever, are just as if you wrote a check for them. There are no protections against theft (the $50 max that most credit cards limit for fraud do NOT apply to ATM cards). With an ATM card, you are liable for everything purchased with it.

[LoganW]

53. BS

You are NOT liable for unauthorized charges with a visa/MC check card. It's not "just like writing a check". The banks simply tell you that so people have at least some understanding of how it works in simple terms.

From VISA

"Protection from unauthorized transactions
With Visa's Zero Liability policy*, you pay nothing for unauthorized transactions. Visa takes online security very seriously, so that you can focus on buying what you need"

from Mastercard

"Pay only for purchases which you have authorized on your MasterCard card. So long as your account is in good standing, you have exercised reasonable care in safeguarding your card, and you have not reported two or more unauthorized events in the past twelve months, unauthorized purchases are not your responsibility."

Next time please do your homework before spreading inaccurate info.


BTW - the poster asked about check cards which are NOT ATM cards. ATM cards do not carry a visa/MC logo, and ONLY can be used for debit transactions with a PIN.

[ChiciB1]

59. The Only Reason I Started Using Mine Is

because I don't have easy access to my bank and can't make deposits all the time. My employment, retirement checks are automatically deposited, so I use my card as a DEBIT alllll the time, NEVER a credit.

I used to withdraw money from the ATM all the time, but most of them in my areas now charge for the withdrawal. I know it's only a $1.00 or $2.00, but I figure I pay enough for everything else, why should I have to pay to get MY money out???

They'll probably start making you pay for debiting now, then I'll just have to go to the bank and put the money in a "hidey" place so I can use CASH!!

[LoganW]

61. You are getting charged ATM fees

because you are using another banks ATM. (or have a very crappy bank)

Some banks will even pay the charge other banks ATMs charge you.

[ChiciB1]

63. Well, As I Said

My bank isn't that convenient!

[Left Is Write]

55. That is absolutely not true.

[skypilot]

57. I understand that my ATM card is not a credit card.

I was trying to understand the differences between a VISA CHECK CARD and a credit card and the differences between a check card and an ATM card.

[girl gone mad]

83. My Visa check card is protected.

It's the amse level as protection on most Visa credit cards.

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

64. It depends on the establishment whether or not they require a PIN.

Depending on how you view the cards, it may or may not be a good thing that some places don't require it.

Most places I go to (grocery store, gas station, retail places) allow you the option of indicating whether the card you're using is debit or credit. If you choose debit, you put in your PIN...but you can always choose credit and just sign (which I think you'd consider a downside). Either way, it'll come out of your account.

The college bookstore I work at only takes credit cards; we're not set up for debit transactions. However, we can take debit/check cards that are backed by a credit card name - we just run them as credit as well.

So, for the most part, yes, your card could be used by whoever finds it, BUT most cards now have the policy that you're not liable for any fradulent charges so long as you let them know about it within 2 days. I know Visa Check Cards definitely have this policy, because 1) they've been running commercials about it, and 2) they did it with me. I hadn't even lost my card, but someone, somewhere, somehow had gotten hold of my number and was making charges in Australia, of all places. I called, they canceled that card, sent me a new one, and the money that had been deducted for the fradulent charges was put back in my account the next day.

[skypilot]

65. Australia?!?!

What the hell? Thanks for your post. I'm getting a much clearer picture of how these cards operate.

[Halliburton]

77. Pin #'s..

It really depends where you go. Places with credit card machines require you to enter your pin number when using a debit card, but in places without them the cashier usually just checks your id.

Debit Cards work practically everywhere. Most banks also have their debit cards doubling as credit cards. You can choose credit or debit when you make purchases.

[blondeatlast]

79. Let me only say this: the entire world should work retail for a week

and wait tables the next.

There are too many issues wrapped up in this for me to address, but a week at a retail store will make everything clear.

I know exactly why the post office has that policy, and it couldn't be more common sensical.

[girl gone mad]

81. I use check cards, despite the risk.

But I keep the balance in my checking account as low as possible, and I review my purchses online every night.

I have a business check card with Bank of America. They call pretty frequently to verify my purchases because I haev a high volume of activity, and some companies I deal with spread bulk order charges out in odd ways. It's kind of a pain in the ass, but I guess I'm glad that they are keeping an eye out for fraud.

[skygazer]

84. I have a VISA check card

I can use it with or without the PIN. The advantage is that I can use it at any place of business that accepts VISA whereas many places do not accept payment with a regular ATM card.