Can I use my debit card to buy something on the internet?

Question

I want to buy something on the net but i dont have a credit card. Can I use my debit card to buy it or is it too risky?

Answer 1

You can, I'd only do it if it's a secure website like amazon.

Answer 2

For all practical purposes, debit cards work the same way as credit cards, as long as they are endorsed by a Visa, Mastercard, or another MAJOR credit name.  The only difference is that debit cards are only meant to spend money you already HAVE in the bank, whereas credit cards essentially loan you the amount of your purchase until you pay it off (with interest).

However, there are indeed risks involved with purchasing online.  There are two main things you can do to protect yourself.

Make sure that your internet connection is a secure one.  Generally speaking, your chances are relatively low of your personal network getting hacked to the point of someone being able to track your transactions.  BUT if your apartment neighbor seems like the malicious, silent but deadly type and you know he's good with computers, make sure you secure your wireless network well before putting your card number on a website.

The other thing you can do is to be sure you deal with reputable online dealers.  Buying merchandise from the websites of any known major store (Target, JCPenney's, etc.) is generally safe.  There are also several online-only retailers such as Amazon.com which are large and trustworthy as well.  It's more risky to deal with retailers online that you've never heard of.  I also never buy anything if I think the website itself is poorly organized or looks "cheaply" done.  Large, reputable dealers generally make enough money to be able to pay for nice, clean website designs.

Even if you do your best, jerks are still out there, and they have MANY ways to defraud your account.  Many of these ways don't involve the internet at all.  So be as careful as you can, but realizing that s*** happens, take comfort in that knowledge that most major banks these days will 100% refund any money stolen from your accounts as well as any associated fees.

Good luck shopping!

Answer 3

Yes you can.

Answer 4

Check to see if the website has any security certificates.

Answer 5

depends if its a popular trustworthy site ur buying from e.g a well known one like topshop or sumfink but if its just one tht looks untrustworthy with pop-ups and suspicious things like tht don't trust it...its all down to you...but usually the sites are okay good luck=)

Answer 6

Yes you can use your debit card. Its not risky because I do it all the time. Good luck

Answer 7

It's really secure and i was worried like you at first but make sure you never buy from unknown sites, it's better to seach on here to see if they are valid, but i suggest never useing a debit card at a web cafe because someone could be recording everything you do while useing it.

Answer 8

Yes you can, as long as it's a mastercard or visa or any other major ones. When you purchase stuff online you type it in like a credit card, the only difference is, when you're charged, the money comes straight out of your bank account...

Answer 9

Look for a secure or verified site.  But remember that it is hooked to your checking account. Whatever is in there is up for grabs for whatever.  The same with using it at a restaurant, store ,or wherever.  They don't talk about the things that could happen.  I read twice where a person used their debit card at Burger King.  They had charged about $3 but instead were charged $3000.  Burger King gave it back, but what if you're at an unreliable place.  Bye-Bye $$$.

Answer 10

yeah of course, as long as it has a visa,  master card or American express logo on it. Make sure your buying things from large sites with good reviews. Do your research before you put your bankcard number into cyber space. :)

Answer 11

Yeah, you can if you want to.  But since it is over the internet, I would get the 1-800 # for the company who you want to buy from and just do the debit card thing over the phone instead of the internet.  You can tell them whether you want to use debit or credit.  Hope this helps.

Answer 12

ummmm usually when sites ask u for a credit card, they mean a CREDIT card so probably not.

Answer 13

I have a debit card and I use it to buy stuff on the internet all of the time.  Look at your card, if it has a visa or mastercard, or american express or some other little credit card logo on it, then it can be used as a credit card.  The money will still come directly from your bank account to pay for whatever you buy, but the companies will process it and accept it like its a regular credit card.

Answer 14

well i do it and haven't had trouble but I know what you mean........but the BANK will honor what you say.....so if, for example they DEBIT your account for an unauthorized amount the bank will credit you.

Answer 15

...Yes...but be sure to know "who" you are buying from (not some "schlep" who just showed up on e-bay or something)...  Making a purchase from a reputable company is fine.

Answer 16

Yes you can,as long as its a Mastercard or Visa debit card, it's as risky as a credit card because it charges you account like a credit card. I use mine all the time though.

:)

Answer 17

If you trust the website, but if you dont trust the website it's too risky. Identity theft is a terrible and rising crime.

Answer 18

yes, you can

Answer 19

Does your debit card have a Visa or MasterCard symbol on it?  If it does, then yes, you can use it as a Visa card.  If it's strictly a debit card, then no.

Answer 20

you can if u feel its right

Answer 21

Yes you can.

No it isn't.

You can't exceed your pre agreed limit so there is a maximum you could have stolen, in the unlikely event of theft.

Answer 22

If it has a visa/mastercard logo, yes.  Or you can use electronic checking, so long as you have a checkbook.

Answer 23

Absolutely. It's just like a Credit Card!

Answer 24

You sure can. I do it all the time. A debit card is the same thing as a credit card, but instead of being billing for it, it comes directly out of your checking/savings account.

Answer 25

You can use it, but be careful about the site.

Answer 26

Only if it has a visa Logo or MasterCard logo on it.

A plain old debit card won't work.

Answer 27

yes,if the card has the visa-master card logo on it you can use it like a credit card.,i have noticed a lot of fear on here about giving out your credit card info online ,but if you deal with proper companies you should have little to fear,the rules about fraud and repayment and obtaining goods through fraudulent means still exists,it is just as safe/dangerous to use the card online as at Walmart ,just use good sense and shop around .........tom

Answer 28

I use my debit card on the net. Just make sure the site is secure. It should have some sort of verified symbols on there. Basically just stick to the major companies' websites.

Answer 29

Yes you can set up a paypal account and add your debit card or bank account or when the site asks for your credit card enter your debit card your debit card should say Visa, Mastercard, or something similar on the bottom left corner of it. It charges as credit and deducts from your bank account.

Answer 30

If your debit card is accepted by an online merchant you can use it, but be very careful.  If someone gets ahold of a credit card number from your using it on the internet you can just dispute the charge.  If someone gets ahold of your debit card number, they can drain your account before you even know about it and it would be very difficult and perhaps impossible to get that money back.

Answer 31

It is too risky period. Banks don't guarantee your money like credit cards do. Putting your checking account out there for the world to steal is not something I would recommend. Always use a credit card and I always go for using the same card for every online purchase and the one that has the lowest credit limit. If something happens you can cancel a stolen credit card number but you have to close and reopen your checking account and it is not a fun process.