Are debit cards really just the same and as safe as writing a check?

[Anonymous]

I still write checks. My understanding is there are more financial protections in place for checks and that it is easier for data and identities to be stolen via debit card. Should I move into the 21st century and start using a debit card or stick with my old fashioned comfortable ways?

Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

Debit card data can be stolen through a compromised reader and then, because you used your debit card, they’ve also got your PIN. That’s also easier to do remotely and more efficiently than stealing a check (even the image of a check).

Then it’s easier to exploit the stolen debit card info remotely.

[Anonymous]

Neither. There are few protections for debit cards at all, and if fraud does occur, your checking account is cleared out while the matter gets resolved. Same for checks.

Use a credit card. The protections are much better, and you might as well earn some cash back or miles or something in the process.

[Anonymous]

Checks allow for ACH transfers from your account numbers. Debit cards are not your account numbers. But both are terrible. Credit card, cash, or bitcoin ;$

[Anonymous]

My mother's identity was stolen by a woman who got hold of one of her checks. She still can't write checks to some stores 9 years later because her name is in their system as compromised.

[Anonymous]

They are both terrible ways of paying for things... Use a credit card, safer and better for your credit score anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother's identity was stolen by a woman who got hold of one of her checks. She still can't write checks to some stores 9 years later because her name is in their system as compromised.

That works well for her, SHE SHOULDN'T BE WRITING CHECKS.

I wish schools had a better method for accepting payment for field trip etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mother's identity was stolen by a woman who got hold of one of her checks. She still can't write checks to some stores 9 years later because her name is in their system as compromised.

That works well for her, SHE SHOULDN'T BE WRITING CHECKS.

I wish schools had a better method for accepting payment for field trip etc

Use your bank’s billpay system.

[Anonymous]

Every single time you write a check the receiver (and anyone else who sees it) gets your full name, address, and bank routing/account number. Debit cards are tied directly to your bank account and can be drained with little recourse for restitution.

Use a credit card.

[Anonymous]

This is a good explanation of credit and debit card differences

https://consumercomplianceoutlook.org/2016/first-issue/credit-debit-card-issuers-obligations-consumers-displute-transactions/

[Anonymous]

I. Use a credit card and pay it off each month.

[Anonymous]

Definitely credit card has the most protections, especially now that most of them are chip enabled.

[Anonymous]

Debit with chip

[Anonymous]

I think it's interesting this thread is in the Fifty and Over forum rather than Money and Finances

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's interesting this thread is in the Fifty and Over forum rather than Money and Finances

Because millenials aren't writing checks. Primarily it's those over 50