Debit Card Know-How How do I use a Debit Card?
Debit Cards, sometimes referred to as Check cards, can be used for purchases at any merchant who accepts Visa. Instead of writing a check, you use your Visa Debit card to make a purchase, then the money is withdrawn directly from your checking account.
Debit Cards can also be used to purchase items online or by phone, or used like an ATM card to withdraw cash from ATM?s. When used as a Debit Card, you are not required to use your personal identification number (PIN) to complete the transaction. Make sure you choose the "credit" option when making your purchase.
My Debit Card has the Visa logo on it. Is it the same as my credit card?
No ...When you make a purchase using your Debit Card, the money is directly withdrawn from your checking account. If you do not have enough money in the account to cover the transaction, it will be denied. Unlike a credit card, you DO NOT have a credit limit or a grace period for repayment.
Will I be charged any fees when I use my Debit Card?
When using your Debit Card to make purchases, there are no fees for using it. Make sure you choose "credit" when making a purchase. This uses the Visa network to process the transaction instead of one of the ATM networks. The money will still be withdrawn from your checking account even though you chose the "credit" option.
Are there any dollar amount limits when I use my Debit Card?
You can use your Debit Card to make purchases up to the amount you have available in your checking account, or $500 per day, whichever is lower. This limit is in place to minimize losses in the event of fraudulant activity. If you need to make a purchase with your Debit Card that is greater than $500, please call the credit union office during business hours, Monday thru Friday 8-4, (and before attempting to make the purchase) to have the limit temporarily increased. Your limit will be reset back to $500 after your purchase has been processed.
Can I withdraw cash from my account with a Debit Card?
Yes, your Debit Card can also be used as an ATM card for making cash withdrawals at Plus, Jeannie, Star and Pulse ATM?s (surcharges may apply). You can also use it at any Alliance One ATM located at a credit union near you with no surcharge.
The daily cash withdrawal limit for Debit Cards is $250 (daily limit for ATM cards is $200).
What should I do if my Debit Card is lost or stolen?
Please call 1-800-528-2273 as soon as you notice your card is missing, or as soon as you see fraudulent activity on your account. After reporting the card lost/stolen, please call the credit union office during business hours for further instructions.
Go to Debitfacts.org for an online resource for managing your money through the debit card payment method.
By getting the facts and understanding all the benefits associated with debit cards, you?ll be able to track your daily finances and stay on top of the latest safety measures developed to ensure the security of your card.
Everything you need to know about the safe and smart use of debit is right there. Read through the latest expert advice and learn how other debit card users are taking advantage of the benefits this payment option has to offer.
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 
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