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What are Common Debit Card Problems?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Debit cards can be convenient ways for accessing the money in one's checking and savings accounts. Unfortunately, debit card problems such as stolen cards or PINs, overdrafted accounts, or fraudulent charges are also common. Some of these problems can be prevented by keeping careful track of one's debit card as well as the amount of money that is currently in the account.

Lost or stolen debit cards are some of the most common debit card problems. Of course, keeping track of one's card and wallet is one way to prevent a lost debit card, but that doesn't prevent the number being stolen after the card was used. As a general rule, it is a good idea not to use a debit card online, but use a credit card instead. This is because it is a simpler process to get fraudulent charges removed from a credit card than to replace money that was stolen from a checking account.

Debit card overdrafts can cause an account holder to bounce checks.
Debit card overdrafts can cause an account holder to bounce checks.

In addition, do not let anyone see the PIN associated with the debit card, because this can lead to problems with a debit card as well. Never write the PIN on the back of the card. If someone does learn the PIN, contact the bank to find out if it can be changed. In addition, be sure to carefully review the bank statement every month, and report any fraudulent charges as soon as possible.

Checkbooks have fallen out of favor due to debit cards, but many people still prefer to pay bills using checks.
Checkbooks have fallen out of favor due to debit cards, but many people still prefer to pay bills using checks.

Some debit card problems occur if one does not keep the checkbook balanced. It is important to write down not just every check in the check register, but every debit transaction as well. Often, an overdraft with a debit card can lead to bank fees that are similar to a bounced check, and banks are rarely willing to waive the fees even if it was a mistake. This is especially common now that many stores can process debit cards as if they were a credit card.

Keeping track of one's card and wallet is one way to prevent a lost debit card, but that doesn't prevent the number being stolen after the card was used.
Keeping track of one's card and wallet is one way to prevent a lost debit card, but that doesn't prevent the number being stolen after the card was used.

While not necessarily debit card problems, some banks charge yearly fees for the use of a debit card. Sometimes, these fees are only charged if the card is not used a certain number of times in the year, so be sure to read the fine print when signing up for a debit card. Being careful and diligent with a debit card is the best way to prevent any problems from occurring, and will also help to ensure that there is always enough money in the checking account to cover transactions.

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Discussion Comments

nextcorrea

The thing that is most convenient about debit cards is also one of their biggest problems. They are small light weight and very thin. Yhey are easy to carry around but also easy to loose.

I seem to loose mine about twice a year. It is not a huge hassle but it is inconvenient enough. On the flip side, my girlfriend has the same debit card that she has been using for almost 6 years. She never looses anything.

jonrss

One problem that I seem to run into a lot is keeping my debit card in my wallet and then having it get broken or bent when I sit on it over and over. Honestly, this has happened to me like five times.

I don't get it, my friends do the same thing and they don't seem to have any problems. I am not overweight and my wallet is high quality. I am just a debit card killer I guess.

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    • Debit card overdrafts can cause an account holder to bounce checks.
      By: Alex Hinds
      Debit card overdrafts can cause an account holder to bounce checks.
    • Checkbooks have fallen out of favor due to debit cards, but many people still prefer to pay bills using checks.
      By: JJ'Studio
      Checkbooks have fallen out of favor due to debit cards, but many people still prefer to pay bills using checks.
    • Keeping track of one's card and wallet is one way to prevent a lost debit card, but that doesn't prevent the number being stolen after the card was used.
      By: rodjulian
      Keeping track of one's card and wallet is one way to prevent a lost debit card, but that doesn't prevent the number being stolen after the card was used.
    • Law enforcement should be notified immediately if someone believes their debit card is being fraudulently used.
      By: Susan Stevenson
      Law enforcement should be notified immediately if someone believes their debit card is being fraudulently used.
    • Debit cards may be used to make fraudulent online purchases.
      By: Maksim Kostenko
      Debit cards may be used to make fraudulent online purchases.