Originally Posted by
ryandelmundo
Something important to remember is that there is a huge difference between a credit card and a debit card. If someone steals and uses your credit card, you call in, and the charges are put on hold and eventually disappear off your credit card, and you never pay a cent. If someone steals your debit card and makes a bunch of charges, the money is pulled out of your checking account and you don't get it back in until the whole fraud process is complete, which could take thirty days or longer.
Which is why I never use a debit card. It also means that if there ever is a dispute I can simply point out that I *NEVER* use a debit card, all such transactions are fraud.
I've changed my debit "check" card to have a daily limit of $1 to avoid that problem. I'd recommend doing the same.
When I tried to get rid of mine (my ATM card functions as one) I found it was impossible. The system can't be set to block card transactions without also blocking all forms of outside-originated transactions. (Direct deposit, automatic payments initiated by credit card companies etc.)