Debit cards, as you know, look just like credit cards. The difference is the payment comes directly out of your checking account instead of increasing your credit card balance.

When debit cards hit the scene, Cena was one of the first to trade in her old ATM card for the new, more convenient card. Her boyfriend was concerned about the safety of the debit card and was slower to get one. His concerns were shared by many who were concerned that using the card would enable someone to steal the card numbers and empty your checking account.

Most banks now have protection on their debit cards similar to that used by credit card companies. You will want to check with your bank to find out the protection your card carries.

Actually, debit cards have some real advantages to helping you be a smart spender.

• You can use the debit card instead of cash, reducing the amount of cash you need to carry and perhaps lose track of.
• Using the card means you don’t have to use the ATM machine, which saves you ATM fees.
• When you use your debit card, you are given an option to get cash back. This again saves you from having to pay ATM fees.
• Using your debit card instead of your credit card keeps you from reckless spending on things you don’t really need, because you know it will come directly out of your checking account.
• Using a debit card rather than a credit card will do wonderful things for your credit card balance. You will see the number of purchases decrease, making it possible to pay down your balance more quickly.

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