A debit card is a great tool when you do not like carrying cash. The bank releases the money electronically just like cash. There are downsides to debit cards as with every type of payments, which are often overlooked. Debit cards do not have the inherent protection as compared to the credit cards. You are protected against theft when you use a credit card for purchases and charges after a theft are paid by the credit card company. If you are in a high crime area debit cards are not as thoroughly protected as credit cards. Your account will be over-drafted if you do not have enough money for the purchase since debit cards function in real time.
