Originally Posted by cjc
When you order online and use your debit card as a credit card, you have the same protection as you would with a credit card. If you use your PIN, using it as a debit card, you do not have that protection. They figure that noone is suppose to have your PIN.
Actually, you dont' have the same protection. With a credit card, if you call them and ask to have a certain transaction stopped, or blocked, that is usually the end of it. With a debit card, the bank can't stop the incoming transaction, so even tho' they can "usually" return it, you will often end up with a bank charge. Plus, the banks sometimes can't return the charge, so you then end up fighting the bank as well as the ongoing debit charge that you are trying to stop. Also with a debit card, you dont' have the regulatory protections that go with a credit card. Having said all that, if you know and trust where you plan to use a debit card, go ahead. "Most" online retailers are honest, but as anywhere else, you will always find one or two bad apples. :( Just be wary, and be as safe as you can when shopping online.
Patti