So sorry, and glad it was only $19. It would be very difficult to go strictly cash, so I hope DH comes around on that one. If you have no debit card, you cannot use the ATM to get cash and always have to stop at the bank? That sounds inconvenient.

many people say that they make impulsive buys when using debit cards but I've found that I actually save money by using a card opposed to cash. If I don't keep cash, I can't be doling it out to grandkids all the time. :)

You need to be very careful where you use a debit card. Always remember it is connected to your bank account. We only use our debit card at our own bank machines.

Or keep a separate account with a limited amount of money for debit card use.

Credit cards are safer than debit cards, but wise use of cash is best IMHO. I'm with Susie53, I use the ATM at my own bank, and nowhere else.

Debit cards are easily compromised as you have found out. I don't have one. The bank gives me one but I shred it. Don't want one, don't need one. I use cash for most everything. Do use credit cards for rewards and at places like Target where it takes 5% off my bill. No extra trips to the bank for cash. We only put enough in the bank to cover the few checks we write or online payments we make and for savings. I feel naked without cash on me.

I don't have a debit card, but I have to say I'm really surprised that the bank called you to tell you this? I mean, you are certain that you were talking to a bank representative? Because both times my bank-issued credit card was compromised (one time for a bunch of lottery tickets), I got a letter from the issuer (Citicards). Maybe I just have a suspicious nature.

Did you have to provide any personal info or a new PIN or anything?

My bank has called me on a few occasions to verify debit card transactions that did not fit in my usual profile. They were all transactions that I had made, but I appreciated they were on the lookout. The only info they wanted was if I had made the purchases.

Why would use debit cards or ATM's period? Are you not being charged for those transactions ? BTW I am a cash only girl, occasionally I'll use a charge card.
To me it seems like such an inconvenience to drive to an ATM machine.
As the saying goes " can't teach an old dog new tricks" .

We use our debit cards alot. I almost never have cash. Gemini40 - I don't get charged to use my debit card. If I use it to get cash I may get charged but it's not from my bank. It would be if I use another bank's ATM. I know where I can use my debit card to get cash without getting charged a fee so unless I'm out of town, I don't get charged.

Debit cards are handy to use at a grocery store, and you can get cash-back, for free.

I figure it's safer to use a debit card at a busy grocery store, than at a lonely bank after hours, where someone can switch the front plate off and replace it with their card-reading machine. A number of our banks have had that happen.

I have a debit card that's also a credit card. Since it's tied to my checking account, I am very careful with it and watch the balance very carefully (I have online banking, so deductions appear almost instantly). But I safeguard the card. Glad you lost only $19. and your bank spotted the charge right away. I know it's common for bank thieves to make a small "test" purchase, then they can really empty your account. You were lucky!

I use my debit card free of charge all the time, rarely have cash. It is convenient for keeping track of expenses. As long as you switch to "credit" and don't use your pin, you're pretty safe unless someone has stolen the actual card. Twice my credit union has called when they suspected odd activity, but it was me both times. They are on the ball because consumer liability is generally limited to only $50.

When I was using checks to pay bills, a clerk wrote down my CU routing number and account information and had a great time
buying things with my money. The bank was on top of that one, too, and though thousands of dollars was spent, I lost nothing.

You have to pay attention, but they are very safe. Imo. Read the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: debit card safety