Our top 8 debit do’s and don’ts

When it comes to plastic currency, the debit card is like the underdog. Resting in a wallet next to fancy credit cards, the debit card gets overlooked. Credit cards come with promises of big bonuses, rewards and spending benefits. They’re the more fun option, seducing spenders into buying more because “life is short!” and “it’s fine, you can just pay me back later!” (wink) Really, is there anything more beautiful than a sleeve full of shiny credit cards you can pick and choose from at a moment’s notice? 

OK, credit cards are not out to get you ... and they do offer perks. The temptation to borrow at excess is there, though, and if you can’t help but give in to the urges to “buy, buy, buy,” you may want to rethink your alliance. For many, debit is the more responsible financial friend who keeps you and your spending on track. There are so many benefits of befriending debit, but like with everything, debit’s not perfect. We’re rooting for debit but keeping it real, too. 

Debit do’s

The anti-debt option 

Debit outshines credit by helping over-spenders avoid accumulating debt and high interest rates. Using a debit card is like paying with virtual cash immediately taken from your checking account. Paying with money you actually have (and don’t borrow) could motivate you to spend more cautiously, manage your cash flow better and avoid overdraft fees. 

Debit and the digital wallet 

The number of people who are turning to digital wallets continues to grow. More than half of U.S. consumers use digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods.¹ Digital wallets (like Apple Pay™, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay™) serve as a cashless, contactless and secure way to make a purchase. You can sync your debit and credit cards; however, since credit cards charge you interest on your balances, we recommend using debit for your digital wallet. 

Did you know? Digital wallets offer a high level of security through robust encryption and tokenization. When you use a digital wallet, you receive a unique digital card number linked to your payment method and the wallet, rather than your actual card number. This means that your card number is never stored, enhancing your overall security. Even if someone were to bypass the encryption, they would only obtain a tokenized number, not your real card number. Digital wallets are much more secure than many people realize!

Shop worry-free

Enjoy peace of mind when you shop with your debit card. Many financial institutions, like Desert Financial, offer cardholder benefits including a purchase security program that will repair or reimburse you in instances where eligible purchases are damaged or stolen. 

Shop with the lock

Shopping online is a safe way to pay for avoiding contact, but the risk of cybercrime is high. To minimize this risk, always shop at trusted sites. Those sponsored ads you see on Instagram? Make sure you do some research before buying from a sketchy, unknown site. Also, check that the URL has HTTPS and a padlock icon in the search bar, which signifies SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. In the case that you do suspect a fraudulent charge on your Desert Financial debit card, as a member, you can rest easy knowing all of our debit cards are backed by Visa’s® Zero Liability Protection meaning you will not be responsible for fraudulent charges made by others with your debit card.²

Debit don’ts

Don’t give out personal info

The surefire way to get your identity stolen is by giving out sensitive information (like your PIN, account number or debit card number) to a scammer. Credit card companies and financial institutions do not ask for personal info via email, phone calls, texts and social media messages. Also, never click on any suspicious links, monitor your account often to catch any unauthorized transactions and report fraud immediately if you become a victim. 

Inflated checking account

The recommended amount of money to keep in checking is one to two months’ worth of living expenses, plus a 30% buffer.³ Anything extra is better off in saving certificate, money market, retirement and investment accounts. There’s also the risk of theft. If your debit card or number gets stolen, a thief can clean out your checking account by making fraudulent charges and ATM withdrawals.

Don’t fall for skimming

Skimming is a type of fraud identity thieves use to steal your card information. Avoid getting skimmed by looking for signs of a card skimmer at ATMs and gas pumps, such as a reader that extends past the panel (like it’s an additional part), a loose reader or a broken security label. 

The power of the PIN

Your PIN is like the social security number of your debit card: Do not share it or make it too easy to guess. Once a perpetrator gets this security code, they have easy access to your funds. To protect your PIN, never write it down or send it electronically. It’s also good practice to use numbers that aren’t personal to you and keep it unique from any other passwords.  

Have you ever heard of decision fatigue? It’s what happens when you have too many options, causing poor decision making. Financially speaking, keeping too many credit cards in your wallet can make smart decision making more challenging. We’re making it easy for you! Use a debit card and follow these do’s and don’ts.

Debit card safety & security 

At Desert Financial, your Visa® debit card is fraud-protected and we act quickly to resolve qualified fraud claims. To protect your debit card, review your checking account regularly, report fraudulent charges or lost/stolen cards immediately, keep your debit card in your possession at all times, protect your PIN and only use your debit card with trusted vendors. For more information about fraud, scam and identity theft protection, visit DesertFinancial.com/Fraud.