PSA: Credit cards are not "evil" or a "scam". They are a useful financial tool and just because you can't control yourself doesn't mean they're bad.

I can tell you, as someone who had their identity stolen, debit cards are horrible for fighting claims.

Lets look at what you just posted. To be protected they recommend:

  • selecting "credit" when you use it.
  • not using vendors that won't process the transaction through Visa (only Visa protects your account, the bank does not) so ATM are not protected.
  • never ever use your pin.

So, to be protected the way they suggest, don't go to an ATM, use your debit card in the credit card settings, and know how every institution is going to run the card (some services can run the card directly to the bank).

And to process your claim quickly you have to see and report the fraud immediately. Truth me, if a couple of weeks go by (checking your bank statement once a month) then that's too long. It is no longer under Visa's domain, it is the banks. Visa can help you stop the issue, but you have to talk to the bank to reverse the charges.

And that is a huge pain that will take several months.

So, why not just use a credit card and set the credit card to autopay twice a week? That's practically the same as a credit card as your debit card runs a delayed calculation of your account.

Your previous mention of credit limit is also a bit limited. Credit limit is not there as an emergency fund without a fund backup. It is not there as a purchasing power, if you are using it responsibly. It is used for if you are in an emergency that requires a lot of money very quickly. As stated before, debit cards have limited instances where they protect you. If you are making that big of a purchase for an emergency (example - stranded in another country and need to rent a vehicle but the rate is due up front and is a rediculous amount because you are under 25... Yes I've done this) don't you want to be sure your information is protected? And I have an emergency fund, so that can be paid back immediately.

Credit limit usually is useful for helping establish credit. You want a high credit rating so that you can buy your everyday goods. That means your regular spending is a very low percent of the card limit. The lower the percentage, the better your credit rating. It proves you can have access to credit and not use it.

And you do need credit if you (1) aren't rich and (2) are smart with money.

Buying a house with a mortgage is currently very smart rather than paying in cash. Why? Because interest is so low that if you invested the money you would have spent on the house, over the lifetime of the loan you will return a higher amount than what you paid in interest. So you make money by having a mortgage and investments at the same time.

How do you get the lowest interest rate? By having good credit.

How do you have good credit ? Paying off your loans on time and responsibly using credit cards.

Just set your credit card to autopay frequently and you presto ally made it a debit card that is waaaay safer and makes your house cheaper.

/r/personalfinance Thread