Some cards are dual-purpose credit/debit cards. Before you swipe the card through the reader, you select a "credit" or "debit" button on the reader. If you select "credit," you are given a credit receipt to sign. "Credit" charges will appear on your next charge account bill.

What are the advantages of a debit card?

Merchant Lynx - It is often easier to get than a credit card.
You don't have to get your check approved or show identification at stores.
You don't have to carry cash, a checkbook or traveler's checks.
Debit cards are more readily accepted than checks, especially when you are traveling.
You don't pay interest charges.

Because checkout lines move faster, storeowners like debit cards. They don't worry about bounced checks or need to take checks or cash to the bank. Debit card processing fees for the merchant are generally lower than credit card fees.

Merchant Lynx Services, what are the disadvantages of a debit card?

Merchant Lynx, you need enough money in your bank account to cover each purchase.
Since you paid for the purchase at checkout and the money is out of your account, you have less protection if something goes wrong with the purchase. Your bank won't put money back into your account for items that are never delivered, don't work or were misrepresented.

You may have bank fees—such as monthly service charges, per-transaction costs or penalties—for dropping below your required minimum balance. Merchant Lynx Services - Check with your bank to find out those extra costs.
You have less protection if your debit card is lost or misused than with a credit card.
Protecting Your Debit Card
A debit card is like a blank check, so you need to guard the card and the account number carefully against loss or misuse. A thief can clear out your bank account before you even know your card is missing.

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