Think Twice Before Using That Debit Card

About six months ago, I wrote a column urging shoppers to put away their check books and start using their check cards -- those debit cards that can be used to draw money from your checking account either at an ATM or in place of a credit card at a store cashier.

My intent was to speed the lines and shorten the waiting time at the grocery store, while encouraging the use of plastic instead of paper.

I pointed out that the Visa Checkcard, which is by far the most widely used debit card, has a "zero liability" policy if used fraudulently. Since Visa debit cards processed nearly half a trillion dollars in spending in 2006, the trend to debit is well under way.

But that column generated dozens of emails, some chastising me for my lack of patience at the grocery store and others pointing out some deficiencies of debit cards. Here are a couple of excerpts:

• Terry, I not only write checks at the grocery store, I use coupons too, so you may not want to get in line behind me.
• Payroll and unemployment insurance request copies of voided checks. It's a nightmare to go around. ... And the DMV won't take debit or credit cards to pay for driver's licenses, stickers or plates.
• Does she [the lady in line in front of me] have a spouse that has out-of-control spending habits or a controlling spouse that must see each and every transaction she makes? Is she hoping for the 24-hour float on that check from the store to the bank while awaiting a direct deposit paycheck? Just several of many possibilities you didn't suggest in your article.