We have debit cards but have never used them, except for ATM withdrawals at our bank’s ATM machine.
My friend uses hers for everything — even small fast food purchases. Their account has been breached a few times, even in Japan.
Our bank has become as lax as it sounds the one you visited is. Customer service for just about everything these days is dreadful. We want to change banks but it would be a nightmare with so many automatic deposits and withdrawals going on.
I hear you.
I have a dedicated account just for the debit. It has one small automatic deposit/month. If I am going shopping or want to transfer to a Paypal account, I simply do a deposit from savings for the exact amount needed and then use it that day.
So, I’m not putting anything much at risk and I do keep track of the account balance.
If I need actual cash, I just add a cash-back on the transaction.
I do not like ever using plastic for consumables, of course, even when I know I’m going to be paying it off before it accrues any interest. Just don’t want to get into a bad habit.
But, I do get tired of the younger shoppers being annoyed as I write a check. Even w/the debit, I always go off to one side and quick enter it into my check register. As long as I don’t hold up the line, I don’t get the stink-eye.
When customer service is great, I make it a point to let the business know how much I appreciate it. It is so rare.