Anybody who uses a debit card for anything other than making ATM deposits and cash withdrawals either doesn't understand how to optimize their personal finances or they're incapable of spending within their means on a credit card. I never ever use a debit card to make purchases for the reasons you mentioned. In Canada, there is zero liability for credit card fraud. No such protection exists for debit cards, instead, you're at the mercy of the bank. That alone is reason not to use them in retail settings.