Thanks everyone. I too would like to know why someone said not to use the camera's transfer ability; my camera came with a utility program & cable specifically for transferring photos. It has worked fine, knock on wood. As for the cards, I bought the same cards I always buy, but maybe they are making them differently now? not sure. Or maybe my card reader is malfunctioning. not sure. So I'll just keep transferring via EOS Utility for now. (which does not use up the battery that much, BTW--the transfer is fairly fast and the camera shuts itself off after it's done, if I have to let it go awhile/walk away from it)

zone_8grandma wrote: dreamgarden, I wasn't singleing out the OP when I said that. I've gone back and re-read all of the posts and a number of them simply display a lack of knowledge about debit cards. I understand. My point was that the OP's bank is making it difficult for the OP to get an ATM card. She specifically stated that she did NOT want a debit card and that is what they gave her anyway. I stated the reasons why they might do this. Frankly, I would prefer to lose what cash I have in my wallet then lose a debit card. This is why. "Consumers should understand, however, that while their credit card fraud liability is low by law, their debit card liability can be much higher, according to law, despite the bank's revocable promises of zero liability. Plus, it is your own money, stolen from your own checking account, that you're fighting with the bank to get back. Our best advice-- never use debit cards-- either online or in person, at big merchants or small. While many of these breaches may occur at small merchants, just one breach at a big merchant, TJX Marshalls, resulted in the loss of 45 million debit and credit card numbers. It isn't worth the risk." Posted by Ed Mierzwinski/U.S. PIRG at September 22, 2007 Links that may be useful: ATM/Debit Cards: What consumers need to know about greater fraud risk, card blocking, and debit card fees www.pirg.org/consumer/banks/debit/debitcards1.htm Electronic Fund Transfers www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/consumerhdbk/electronic.htm#loss

One thing to know about debit cards...you cannot put a stop payment on a transaction. You must dispute it and wait. I had a legitimate reason to stop payment on a transaction, but found I could not because it was on my debit card. I was told by the bank that it's essentially like cash when it comes to payment. Whenever we need to purchase a big ticket item, or have a repair done, we use our credit cards...gives us some protection, and in some cases, the CC covers a longer warranty. I use checks very, very infrequently. Debit or credit cards almost exclusively. And every one of our household bills is done with on-line bill pay. I set up regular recurring payments (mtg, car insurance, etc) and for variable payments, I can set the amount I want to pay. Even for places (like the garbage co) that don't have electronic payment option, my bank sends them a check, but immediately deducts the payment from my account as if it were an electronic payment. I absolutely love it. No paper, no stamps, no finding a mail box, no late fees, and a permanent record of what was paid where all on my computer screen. My mother actually turned me on to it! I quit writing checks to stores when I got the 3rd degree after writing a check. Needed ID, managers approval, yada yada. But swipe my plastic and no problemo. Honestly, it'd be easier for an identity thief to clean you out with plastic than a check, but the stores act like you're a criminal for writing a check (unless you're white haired, barely reach the counter and take 13 minutes to complete your transaction )

Elmer, I'd be delighted to have a card at all! My state hasn't gotten to my age/health group yet so it'll be a while. I wonder how many people will take advantage of the donut offer. Despite my own sweet tooth, I don't care for the idea of a donut every single day, no matter who the vendor is. But I applaud Krispy Kreme for stepping up in support of vaccinations, and hope to get a few donuts myself before the year is over. oh, edited to more directly answer the question -- no I don't intend to carry my card unless I need it for some reason. Probably DH and I will keep our cards on our hall table until the after-world becomes clear, then we will put them in our safety deposit box so we don't loose them.