It may depend on state law. In Massachusetts, I once had a $17.80 purchase (debit card) turn into a $178.00 purchase. It took me a year and a half to straighten it out. The Office of Consumer Affairs of the Attorney General's office advised me to use the debit card as a credit card, as my liability would then be limited to $50 in any case. But since merchants have to pay a fee if you use your debit card as a credit card, they are less "welcoming" to that use. You have to specify that you want to use it as a credit card. As Lori mentioned, the purchase goes through immediately and is posted to the account -- the same way as a debit card. However, I have that extra protection against fraudulent use.
Of course, this is just one state. I believe that laws in the UK are less consumer-friendly, and I guard my Barclay's card with my life. Worth checking into. Carolyn Carolyn Hastings Stow, MA USA > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf > Of Lorri Ferguson > Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 10:36 AM > Cc: Arachne > Subject: Re: [lace] Newsletter > > Brenda and all, > > Here in the USA, I was advised by my bank teller that using a > 'debit card' > was the safest because it is the easiest to cancel if there is a > problem > later. And canceling the debit card does not cancel the account it is > linked > to. > We have 'debit cards' with numbers just like a credit card. One > gives the > vendor the debit card number not the bank account number. The card is > used > just like a credit card but you are not giving the vendor your checking > account number. I use one like this for ordering drugs through the > mail, > etc. > > Lorri > Washington State, USA, in the foothills of Mt. Rainier - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
