[sickoflibs]

RE:”I think for online shopping and for travel, where the risk of identity theft is high (gas stations/convenience stores/shady hotel clerks). A debit card links directly to your funds and if the pin is discovered I don’t think there’s the same protection as a credit card where you have to sign.”

There is no doubt that a credit card is better than a debit card wrt that, heck on top of cash rewards I can contest my own purchases because I didn't get the service, and false purchases are easy to contest.

Another reason I love credit cards.

My question was comparing debit cards to prepaid cards.

[stanne]

Prepaid cards, in Obama’s world, are our way of having privacy in our purchasing. THye have the power to eradicate cash, and prepaid cards. The government will know everything you purchase.

[blueplum]

The debit links directly so I think one’s entire account can be torpedoed if the pin is discovered. on a pre-paid, you’re only sunk for the amount remaining on that prepaid.

[grania]

Debit cards are linked to your checking account so they provide access to your information. Prepaid cards aren’t linked....you pay cash and get a card. Using it does not tally your purchase or link to you any other way.