Dumb question about buying books online..

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 15, 2006

I know this is a dumb question, but when you buy books online and it ask for a credit card can you use your debit card or does it have to be strictly credit? Like when buying from half.com or Amazon.
I didn't know where else to post this and I couldn't find the info on the website.
Thanks.

Wherever you buy from will list the payment terms. Usually, a credit card payment is just that, but you will have to read through the terms of the actual merchant.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2006

If your debit card can be used like a credit card then yes. My debit card is "MasterCard", so whenever I use it, it comes out of my checking about. I use it whenever I buy stuff online all time time.

I'm not sure about strictly "Debit" cards.

Dratz · Aug 15, 2006

I would hesitate to use a debit card online. I don't think you have any recourse if someone steals your debit card info...but I'm not sure. It is safer to use your visa or mastercard online...( nothing is really all that safe)..at least that way if someone steals your info, and you notify the card company, you might have some backup when it comes to retrieving any loss you may have incurred. Be very careful how you use your cards on the net. Make sure the site is a secure one. My mom got scammed one time, but Visa helped her out because she was able to report it immediately. With the debit card, you are hooped.

tookewlandy · Aug 15, 2006

As long as it has a logo of a credit card company (i.e VISA, MASTERCARD) then you can use it anywhere(even online) that accpets those cards.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Aug 16, 2006

I would hesitate to use a debit card online. I don't think you have any recourse if someone steals your debit card info...but I'm not sure. It is safer to use your visa or mastercard online...( nothing is really all that safe)..at least that way if someone steals your info, and you notify the card company, you might have some backup when it comes to retrieving any loss you may have incurred. Be very careful how you use your cards on the net. Make sure the site is a secure one. My mom got scammed one time, but Visa helped her out because she was able to report it immediately. With the debit card, you are hooped.

This is a fact; call or contact your bank to ask. You're so much more at risk with a debit card than using a credit card. The main reason being that if someone gets ahold of this info, you can find your bank accounts wiped out and not have anything to fall back on until it's all sorted out -- assuming there would be money returned to you. Credit is much more secure. The financial folks I listen to always suggest having at least one credit card regardless of how you feel about it for purposes such as this.

Also, you don't have the same recourse in the case of a dispute where they can put the "charge" on hold while your credit card company investigates (I had this happen with a department store charge recently). They will allow the charge to go unpaid until any disputes are resolved; not so with your debit!!

Good luck!

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2006

I just wanted to add this suggestion Joshua. Some banks offer gift cards that you load with money for purchasing items online. They are through MC and Visa I believe.

ak127 · Aug 16, 2006

This is a fact; call or contact your bank to ask. You're so much more at risk with a debit card than using a credit card.
Also, you don't have the same recourse in the case of a dispute where they can put the "charge" on hold while your credit card company investigates
Good luck!

While this is generally true, some banks, such as Bank of America have started offering all the same protections on thier check/debit cards as traditional credt cards, so I would check with your bank. This may be a perk you didn't even know you had! I have even had them turn back a charge where a waiter decided to give himself a $25 tip on a $12 check, no questions asked. I have been pleasently surprised.

As long as it says Visa or Mastercard on the front, they should accept your debit card with no issues.

You are pretty safe on a secure connection with an established retailer like amazon or half.com. Alternately, use Paypal or the prepaid card that others suggested.

JoshuaC · Aug 16, 2006

I've already bought a book online through half.com. I've used my debit card online before without problems, so hopefully I'll be alright again.

Galore · Aug 17, 2006

I work in banking, so this is what I've seen at least with the way my company operates. If your debit card has a Visa or MC logo, it really has 2 separate functions depending on how you use it. If you purchase something by putting in your PIN (eg at a grocery store), it's treated as a debit transaction. Any time that you simply swipe the card and sign for it, it's a credit purchase (anything purchased online would fall under this category). For fraud purposes, this second method is essentially the same as if you used a traditional Visa credit card. You get your money credited back within 24 hours and then the bank investigates the claim.

The main difference when it comes to fraud is with a credit card, it's not your actual money is tied up so it's more like the charge is just reversed. If it was your debit card, you may be unable to use the cash during that lag (24 hours or possibly more). It's also more inconvenient if you have to block your debit card and wait for a new one than it is to block a credit card. There are security measures in place if you wish to use your debit card though :)