Can you use a debit card as a credit card without using your PIN number?

genchan · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 07:01 PM

I was wondering if it's possible to use a debit card as a credit card without using your PIN number? Does anyone have any information on this?

robdawg · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 08:46 PM

In my experience, Yes you can. If you use your card as a credit card you have to sign the receipt. When ever I dont feel like signing I use it as a depit card but I have use my pin. keep in mind that when you use it as credit card you have to wait for the funds to clear. when used as a debit it gets deducted right away from your account.

mom-from-missouri · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 09:06 PM

check with your bank. at my bank, when used as a debit card-it comes out of my account right now. when used as a credit card, it still comes out of my account right now (or at the end of the month if the funds are not there at the time). But, as a credit card, since it comes out now or at the end of the month, there are no finance charges. PLUS, my bank gives back 2% every November for credit card uses on it. So, now I put my mortgage and all my utilities on it--I have it set up so they charge to my credit card automatically. This year I got back a couple hundred dollars this way from the bank. Each bank is different, so check with your individual bank.

sarah · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 10:40 PM

I to can use my debit card as a credit card. However, I am wondering how safe it is to do so. Especially online. I do not trust myself with a credit card but I've heard horror stories of debit cards not being as safe as credit cards. I've also heard that this is not true for those that carry the VISA logo but mine carries the MASTERCARD logo. Does anybody know if this is true.

Also Wal-Mart will no longer take debit cards that carry the MasterCard logo as a credit card

itsmejan · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 05:36 PM

I have checked with my bank and was told not to use my debit online. Also I do not sign the back of any debit or CC.the reason is cashiers are supposed to ask for ID if the card is not signed. I have been annoyed a few times that the proper procedure was not followed. The best way ,or at least I have been told ,is to get a low balance CC to make online purchases . This is what I do and so far so good. JAN in NC