Debit cards linked to your checking account offer a lot of convenience—allowing you to buy online and make in-person purchases without cash. However, they also expose you to some financial dangers that are not usually a problem with paper money. The guide below offers advice for using your card most effectively.

How to Properly Manage Your Debit Card Information

1. Keep Track of Transactions

It can be hard to know how much you are spending when you are just handing over a card. Without meaning to, you might overdraw your account, resulting in overdraft fees. Therefore, confirm your checking account balance before making purchases—or opt to take out what you need for the week in cash to ensure you don’t overrun your budget.

Closely monitoring your transaction history will also allow you to recognize inconsistencies as soon as they occur in case someone else is using your information. If this happens, call your credit union as soon as possible so they can investigate the matter and reverse the charges.

2. Choose a Strong Pin

Anyone can use your debit card if they know the pin, so choose one that is hard to guess. This means avoiding using the same number for all four digits (for example, 1111 or 2222) or anything associated with your personal life, such as your birthday, anniversary date, or street address. 

3. Avoid Linking Accounts

Some credit unions allow you to link your debit card to a savings account as well as a checking account. However, this means that anyone who gets ahold of your card or your information also gets access to a larger pool of your money. Unless there is a pressing reason, keep your finances separate.

If you’re interested in opening a new checking or savings account this spring, speak to the representatives at Estacado Federal Credit Union in Hobbs, NM. For over 65 years, they’ve provided customers with quality banking products and superior customer service. Call today at (575) 393-1596 to discuss your needs with a representative or visit their website for more information about their capabilities.