Disadvantages of Debit Cards (2024)

FAQs

Disadvantages of Debit Cards? ›

Offer Few, If Any, Rewards

Generally, debit cards don't give rewards or cashback earnings for purchases. Those that do offer very low earning rates compared to credit cards.

Offer Few, If Any, Rewards

Generally, debit cards don't give rewards or cashback earnings for purchases. Those that do offer very low earning rates compared to credit cards.

The more prevalent risk inherent to debit cards is theft of personal information. When thieves steal your information–whether your debit card number, or information attached to your debit card such as name or date of birth–they piece together your identity.

Despite their convenience, debit cards carry risks that have serious financial consequences. A stolen number, PIN, or security code can result in unauthorized transactions, overdraft fees, bounced checks, an empty bank account, and even personal information breaches.

Public internet networks at coffee shops, airports, and other public places may be where account hackers place devices that can intercept your debit card information if you go online to make a transaction. Use a strong password. Creating a complex password helps further secure your debit card.

Debit cards lack the same robust protections as credit cards, so you might be at greater risk of fraud with multiple debit cards to manage. Having multiple checking accounts can complicate your finances.

A negative balance occurs when you make payments that exceed the funds in your account. Overdraft protection can help cover the difference, but it comes with fees. A negative bank balance can lead to overdraft fees, non-sufficient funds fees, account closure, and credit impact.

Is it better to use cash or a debit card? ›

Fraud Protection

If someone steals your cash and spends it, you have little chance of recouping the funds. But Visa® debit cards have built-in fraud protection against theft.

Debit cards also allow you to withdraw money from a conveniently located ATM without going inside a bank and waiting in line. They also allow you to place deposits or holds on services or items, like hotel rooms, car rentals and more.

The news: Debit cards are Gen Z's favorite payment method, with more than two-thirds (69%) reporting daily or weekly users, per a study from EY. Only 39% of Gen Zers reported frequent credit card use, per the survey—compared with 51% for older generations. The reasons behind this: Lack of understanding.

With a debit card, the money is already gone from your checking account, and you're trying to get your own money back. Debit cards are more vulnerable to fraud than credit cards, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center in California, a nonprofit consumer education organization.

A big disadvantage of a debit card is that it (typically has high annual fees|doesn't provide a line of credit).

Some ATMs will charge withdrawal fees, and if you use more than the agreed overdraft limit then the fees tend to be much greater than those incurred by credit card usage. Another disadvantage of debit cards is the fact that they have limited funds, which can slow down business.

Perhaps the biggest con to using a debit card is that it won't help you build credit history or establish a better credit score. No matter your age, this limitation should be at the top of your list of reasons why you shouldn't use a debit card. Even debt-free people open credit cards for this reason.

Credit cards often offer better fraud protection

With a credit card, you're typically responsible for up to $50 of unauthorized transactions or $0 if you report the loss before the credit card is used. You could be liable for much more for unauthorized transactions on your debit card.

Debit Card Security: PINs and Privacy. A debit card's PIN feature adds an extra layer of security. Entering this confidential code for transactions helps ensure that only authorized individuals can access the funds, even if the card is lost or stolen.

Debit cards do not appear on your credit history or affect your credit score.