How to Better Protect Your Purchases

Jeevan Sivasubramaniam Posted by Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, Managing Director, Editorial, Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.



You know how you always have the choice of paying with your bank card as either a debit transaction or a credit transaction since almost all ATM cards are now also linked to VISA or MASTERCARD? When presented the option, always opt for credit over debit. This is because if you make a debit purchase and there is a problem with your purchase or there is an issue with the charge, it's between you and your bank--and you know what it is like to deal with the bank and how limited your options are. However, if it is a credit purchase, all of VISA or any other card issuer's protections are valid and active. This means that if the item is defective or can't be returned or if it is stolen, you have the same options as you would have if you purchased the item with a credit card.