How does a visa check card work?

[LivinLaVivaPollo]

Well, I just opened up a bank account with BofA because the college I'm going to has one on campus, so I figure it would just make things easier instead of dealing with atm surcharges. They say it comes with a visa check card, how exactly do one of those work? I know it is accepted wherever visa is accepted, but do they deduct money instantly from your checking, sort of like a debit card? Is it safe to use online? It would be harder to dispute something that is so direct. When you buy things, do merchants treat it more like a debit card or credit card? As a college student, do you feel like it is enough for some general purchases? or should I opt for a credit card too?

 

[Pastore]

it is a debit card, but is accepted everywhere visa is... works great online... i have used one for a couple months now and i love it!

 

[perry]

I'd go with a credit card in addition to the visa check card. I use the check card for every day stuff (groceries, gas, ATM, restaurants, etc), but use the credit card when making purchases online or expensive stuff in stores (computer stuff, car stuff).

You can use the visa check card just as if it's a credit card. The money will be taken right out of your bank account instead of having a bill to pay at the end of the month. Nice for people like me that never seem to carry cash around.

 

[crypticlogin]

Just try to keep a running total of how much you have in your account, otherwise they may get a little bit richer on those minimum balance fees. I'm pretty bad at remembering those things so I primarily use a credit card even though my bank issued me a check card.

 

[d33pt]

i hate check cards cause of the fact that if someone steals my card it's linked directly to my bank account and it's WAY too easy for them to charge stuff. with a cc i am totally protected but i'm sure it'll be much more of a hassle to get money back into the bank account..

 

[RossMAN]

As Beast1284 said, check card = debit card, same thing. I would only use a debit card at a grocery store where you have to enter a PIN. It's very easy for someone to steal your assets if they have your 16 digit debit card number and expiration date. For pizza's, cab's and especially online purchases I always use a credit card. Plus CitiBank pays me 1% back and I like that 25 day grace period.

 

[DSIGUY]

Get online banking, it's the best thing since sliced bread in my opinion. Since you're with BOA depending the kind of account you have you may be able to get it for free.

The nice thing about is, you can keep tabs on everything transaction without having to wait till the end of the month, plus you can easily find out how much you have total in your checking/savings account. Make sure to use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption.

 

[LivinLaVivaPollo]

Well, I'm going to be making some very expensive computer equipment purchases within the few weeks to come. I have about two thousand saved up, and I plan to spend around a thousand. I have a couple of ideas, 1) use my visa check card for all the purchases, 2) get my own credit card and buy the stuff, 3) use my mom's credit card and write her a check to cover it. I'm still debating those choices.

 

[OSUdrunk]

One thing to remember: Debit/Check cards don't have all the protections that credit cards have (i.e. when disputing charges or if somebody gets your number) because they are 2 different types of payment. If you will be using it online a credit card is recommended. (I'm too lazy to get a credit card so I use my debit card online all the time, but you are taking a risk)

Other than that, it's easier than a credit card I think because you don't have to worry about paying it off at the end of the month. But most banks will charge you a fee if you use your card as ATM instead of Credit when making a purchase at a store (people do it at the grocery store I work at all the time to get extra cash back when paying).

 

[Sluggo]

<< 1) use my visa check card for all the purchases, 2) get my own credit card and buy the stuff, 3) use my mom's credit card and write her a check to cover it. I'm still debating those choices. >>



Get your own CC and get your Mom to co-sign if needed. Buying the stuff and paying it off with a CC will help you to build your own credit. Just stay away from the Hot Deals Forum after you get it.