Is my debit card safe?

With so many ways to pay for your purchases, how do you know what is the best (and safest) option? Many people will reach for their credit card, but why not utilize your debit card? According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, consumers consistently ranked credit cards as the most secure payment method, whether shopping in person, online, or for record keeping purposes — but in actuality, your debit card is just as safe and secure. In this article we’ll answer the question, “is my debit card safe?” as well as going over ways to keep yourself protected, no matter how you choose to pay.

How debit card fraud occurs

Thieves can use your debit card information to create a duplicate card even if you haven’t lost it. These are some ways fraudsters can obtain debit card information:

• Card skimming: Criminals can steal your card information from an ATM or point-of-sale terminal that’s compromised by a card skimming device.
• Breaches: An online data breach could expose your debit card number.
• Unauthorized access: Someone with unauthorized access to your bank account could see your card details.

Pro tips for staying protected

Many people think that credit cards are the safest way to pay, but today’s debit cards are built with just as many protections to keep your personal information (and your money!) safe. A few ways that you can ensure that all the safeguards on your debit card are in place:

• Turn on alerts and review transactions regularly
• Use secure networks or VPNs
• Use a digital wallet² for secure, contactless payments
• Don’t share PIN or card number

Built-in security features from Citizens

As a valued member of the Citizens family, we want you to know that we work behind-the-scenes to keep your debit card, account, and money as safe as possible. Some things we do are:

• Have zero liability for unauthorized transactions: When you see a transaction that you don’t recognize or that wasn’t authorized by you, you can report the transaction to Citizens and we’ll investigate and report back with our findings. This could lead to a refund of your money if we find that this charge was in fact unauthorized.
• 24/7 fraud monitoring: If any suspicious activity is detected, Citizens will notify you immediately, allowing you to take action to protect your account.
• Real-time alerts. You can use alerts to get notified of unusual activity. You’re able to choose your preferences on the types of alerts you’ll receive.
• Card freeze/unfreeze: If you’re concerned about the activity on your card, have misplaced or lost it, you can freeze any activity on your card. If you end up finding it you’ll be able to unfreeze it as well.
• Biometric login and encryption in our app: This helps protect your personal information, as well as keeps your account more secure.

We’re always striving to keep your information and money protected, and coming up with new ways to do that as technology is always evolving.

When to use your debit card with confidence

Your debit card can be the smarter spending choice, not only with day-to-day purchases like groceries or gas, but you can also use it for things like bills and subscription services or traveling. It can also be a great budgeting tool — by depositing only what you plan on spending into the account that’s linked to your debit card, you’ll only be able to spend a set amount of money. A debit card can also come in handy when traveling. You can put your “fun money” into this account. You can then use your debit card alerts to know when you’re getting close to hitting your limit.

Another great thing about using your debit card is you can avoid racking up interest like you would with a credit card, and you can also track your balance in real-time.

Use your debit card with confidence

Your debit card is secure, powerful, and always ready to go. Make it your everyday spending tool of choice and feel confident with every transaction. Don’t have one yet? Get a Citizens Debit Card today.