Five reasons you should use your debit card for purchases (2024)

May 24, 2021

We all probably have a few of those cards—the ones that end up languishing in the back of our wallets. Maybe that’s a credit card for a store we used to like, a health insurance card that we rarely need or the I.D. for a gym membership we’ve neglected. But what about your debit card? Is it the card you reach for when you need to make a purchase? Here are five reasons you should use your debit card–and to keep it at the top of your mind and at the top of your wallet.

Five reasons you should use your debit card for purchases (1)

1. It’s convenient.

Less cumbersome than a bundle of cash, your debit card could be the only form of payment you need when going anywhere. It fits in your pocket, in between your phone case and phone, or in the smallest of wallets.

A debit card works just like cash, but you can skip the ATM. Just insert your card at the checkout and you’re done. But if you really, really like to have a little bit of cash on-hand too? Your debit card doubles as an ATM card—whether that’s at the register or at a machine.

Bonus: The Summit is part of a nationwide network of 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. That’s a whole lot of convenience!

2. It’s safe.

Security is one of the main reasons to use your debit card. Cash can get stolen and be gone forever. But debit cards like those from The Summit are equipped with extra layers of protection. Using The Summit’s Card Controls, you can track debit card purchases easily, right from your mobile device. And if you lose the card? You can cancel it immediately and get it replaced. At The Summit, we can even make you a new card in minutes while you wait.

Another way to identify fraudulent purchases is with The Summit’s Purchase Alerts powered by Visa®. This free service will alert you to debit card purchases of a certain amount, those made online or at the gas pump, and more; you choose the criteria.

3. It makes budgeting easy.

Want to keep your spending under a certain threshold? Because your debit card draws money directly from your checking account, you can limit the available amount. And it’s easy to track spending and stay on top of your account balances by using The Summit’s mobile or online banking services.

4. There can be sweet rewards and perks.

Paying with cash usually gets you a thank-you and a smile, but paying with a debit card can get you even more. Each time you make purchases with a debit card like The Summit’s MyRewards™ Gold or Platinum Debit Cards, you can earn points toward extras like cash back, gift cards or travel deals. Plus, these cards come with other valuable benefits like cell phone protection, extended warranties, prescription savings and other discounts. In essence, you’re getting rewarded just for shopping.

Bonus: Keep an eye out for promotions throughout the year. These can give cardholders (usually new ones) extra rewards.

5. You’ll avoid a big bill, late payment fees and interest.

For anyone who tends to overspend from time-to-time (or more than that), switching to a debit card can be a life-changer. Because you’ll only spend what you have, there’s no massive bill shock to worry about. Plus, you’ll do your credit score a favor by avoiding late payments and interest on credit card balances carried over from month to month. That’s a big one. With a debit card like those at The Summit, you’ll not pay a cent of interest. In fact, many checking accounts with debit cards will pay you interest on your account balance each month.

Cynthia Kolko, The Summit Federal Credit Union

Five reasons you should use your debit card for purchases (2024)

FAQs

Five reasons you should use your debit card for purchases? ›

Debit cards take money out of your checking account immediately. Debit cards let you get cash quickly. You can use your debit card at an automated teller machine, or ATM, to get money from your checking account. You also can get cash back when you use a debit card to buy something at a store.

What are 5 pros of using a debit card? ›

Benefits of Using a Debit Card
  • Convenience. ...
  • Security. ...
  • No Incurred Debt or Interest. ...
  • Few or No Fees. ...
  • Holds You Accountable for All Spending. ...
  • Makes It Easier To Stick To Your Budget. ...
  • May Offer Perks or Rewards. ...
  • Credit Score Doesn't Matter.
Mar 9, 2023

Is there ever a reason to use a debit card? ›

Debit cards take money out of your checking account immediately. Debit cards let you get cash quickly. You can use your debit card at an automated teller machine, or ATM, to get money from your checking account. You also can get cash back when you use a debit card to buy something at a store.

What are the positives of using cards? ›

Convenience - cards are quicker and might be cheaper to use than cheques. They're useful for everyday expenses and can be used over the phone and internet. Credit - credit or charge cards can offer an interest-free period of varying lengths, dependent on which card issuer you use.

What are 5 disadvantages of debit cards? ›

Here are some cons of debit cards:
  • They have limited fraud protection. ...
  • Your spending limit depends on your checking account balance. ...
  • They may cause overdraft fees. ...
  • They don't build your credit score.
Dec 9, 2021

Why we should use debit card wisely? ›

Unless you are carefully keeping track of your bank balance, it can quickly and easily be depleted. Those who use their debit card without keeping track of the cash leaving their bank account, may quickly find themselves without funds for day-to-day cash expenses like rent, transportation or food.

What is a benefit debit card? ›

Debit Cards make transactions fast, easy and convenient to use. Works as an Emergency Fund. Debit Cards have the ability to give you cash. They double up as ATM cards and allow you to withdraw money from an ATM.

Why is debit better? ›

No Debt – With a credit card it's easy to purchase anything you want, even if you don't have the funds. With debit cards, the money comes directly from your bank account, so you avoid spending more money than you have. Plus, you don't have to remember to pay the credit card bill once a month.

What should I use a debit card for? ›

You can use a debit card to get cash from an ATM, or you can make purchases with it like you make purchases with credit cards. With debit cards, you may need to enter your PIN (personal identification number), although many debit cards can be used to make purchases without a PIN.

What are the pros and cons of pay cards? ›

Payroll cards benefit employees because they get access to their funds without a bank account and can easily be replaced if lost or stolen. However, payroll cards include fees, may get lost and don't accumulate interest.

What are 5 disadvantages of a credit card? ›

5 Disadvantages of Credit Cards
  • High-Interest Rates. If you carry a balance on your card, the interest rate can be as high as 30% or more. ...
  • Potential for Overspending. It's easy to get caught up in the moment when using a credit card instead of cash or a debit card. ...
  • High Annual Fees. ...
  • Hidden Costs. ...
  • Credit Card Debt.
Jul 29, 2024

Are cards good for you? ›

Card games engage a variety of cognitive skills, such as concentration, attention, and critical thinking. By regularly exercising these skills through card games, seniors can keep their minds sharp and maintain mental health.

What are 3 advantages of using a credit card over a debit card? ›

Credit cards help build your credit history. They offer rewards like cash back, miles or other rewards for your purchases. Offers better protection from fraudulent charges. When a fraudster uses your credit card, they are taking money from the issuer, instead of stealing directly from you and draining your bank account ...

What is an advantage debit card? ›

The CIBC Advantage Debit Card is a debit card that you can use around the world to make purchases directly from your account(s). Even though your card is a “debit” card, some payment terminals require merchants to press “credit” or “Visa” to process Visa Debit transactions through the global Visa payment network.

What are the pros and cons of a credit card? ›

Credit cards offer several benefits – like reward programs, security features, and an opportunity to build a positive credit history. But unfortunately, they also come with several drawbacks, like high-interest rates and the risk of accumulating a high debt-to-income ratio.

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