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31/08/2011 -
This week, First Third Bank unveiled a dual credit-debit card that can pull funds from either a checking account or a credit line. While the device has caught the attention of many industry leaders, it remains to be seen how it impacts cardholders' use of credit versus debit.The truth is that credit and debit both have their ups and downs - the trick is in knowing which card is right for what occasion. Some may quickly assume that debit is always the safer bet, but according to others, that is not always the case.
Take online shopping for instance. MainStreet.com contributor Brian O'Connell argues that credit may be the ideal payment method when making web-based purchases.
"Banking experts said when it comes to making purchases on the Internet, go for a credit card instead of taking the debit route," O'Connell writes. "If there's a problem with the purchase or your card number is stolen, it's often harder to get your money back and your account restored."
Car or equipment rentals are also best paid for through credit, as some businesses take money out of a checking account in the form of a security deposit. With credit, the money is merely "frozen."
