Debit, credit, all card offer you convenience

You need debit card and credit card for your financial transactions wherever you are. The duo offer you convenience as well as save you cost, analyst have said.

In the past many people felt that you needed a credit card to complete certain transactions such as rent a car or to purchase items online. They also felt that it was safer and easier to travel with a credit card rather than carrying cash or trying to use your checkbook. However debit cards offer the same convenience without making you borrow the money to complete the transactions.

Looking at the difference between debit card and credit, Miriam Caldwell, personal finance specialists explained that Debit cards and credit cards are accepted at the same places. Debit cards carry the symbol of one of the major types of credit cards on them, and can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted. They both offer convenience. The fundamental difference between a debit card and a credit card account is where the cards pull the money. A debit card takes it from your banking account and a credit card charges it to your line of credit.

According to her, Debit cards offer the convenience of a credit but work in a different way. Debit cards draw money directly from your checking account when you make the purchase. They do this by placing a hold on the amount of the purchase. Then the merchant sends in the transaction to their bank and it is transferred to the merchants account.

Caldwell defines a credit card as a card that allows you to borrow money in small amounts at local merchants. You use the card to make your basic transactions. The credit card company then charges you interest on your purchases, though there is generally a grace period of approximately thirty days before interest is charged if you do not carry your balance over from month to month.

She said it is better to use your debit card whenever possible, because it will prevent you from accidentally falling into the credit card trap. When you can pay cash for most items, you are doing better financially. Some rental car agencies and hotels may still request a debit card over a credit card because they want to have a card where they can bill you for damages to their property. Be sure to check with the hotel or agency before you travel to make sure you can use your debit card instead of your credit card.

HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE