Credit/debit card advice?

Question

I've never had any kind of card before, but I want to start buying and booking stuff over the internet, so I really need a debit card of some description - but there are hundreds. Can anyone help me with which criteria I should use to decide which are ones worth considering, and which are not? Any help appreciated!

Answer 1

A debit card is not as safe for purchasing over the internet as a credit card is.  A credit card protects you because if you do not receive the item, you can call the credit card company and dispute the charge.  The matter is either resolved by you receiving your item or if not resolved you do not have to pay for it. Also using a credit card buys you some time to pay for the item, usually at least 20-30 days.

A debit card credits your bank account immediately and you do not have the same protection as a credit card.  If you have a bank acct you start by getting a debit or credit card through your bank.  Does not really matter where you get the credit card as long as you pay before due so not to incur finance charges.

Answer 2

Debit cards are not safe for online transactions. In general credit cards are safer than debit cards. So you should get a credit card for yourself. Just don't spend beyond your means and you should be fine.

Here is a link that will show you comparisons of good cards:

http://www.myfico.com/LoanCenter/Offers/...

Some things you should consider:

1. APR

2. Introductory offer

3. Annual fee

All the best!  

Answer 3

If you can get a checking account from a local bank that is your best bet. When you apply for a checking account, (which some now offer free checking) you can apply for a debit card at the same time. Typically you will have to deposit anywhere from $50 to $100 initially.

Some banks will now allow you to apply online such as Bank of America. If you have a branch locally, that is where you can take your information and deposit money into your new checking account.

Now as far as the prepaid credit cards, you will have to do some research as to who has the lowest fees. I know Walmart now has their own prepaid credit card. In fact, I noticed at the pumps one day that if you do direct deposit there are no fees.

See, you have to pay a fee up front to get the prepaid credit/debit card. Then, everytime you want to deposit money on it they charge you a fee too. I think Walmarts is $4.95

I used to have a Western Union prepaid card about two years ago. I had to pay something like $7.95 every time I wanted to deposit money on it.

So if you can get a checking account go that route.