Debit and credit cards can both be used safely. Regardless of the one you use, it’s important to keep basic security safeguards in mind.

Be selective and only use cards to pay trusted sellers.

If you do use a credit card, be diligent and know you’ll need to pay the bill each month to avoid accumulating interest and debt.

Debit cards can potentially provide access to your entire bank account and may not come with the same fraud protection that credit cards usually do. Follow our safety tips below when using your debit card.

There are a few ways debit and credit cards can be hacked. One is a physical device, called a skimmer, that can read your card’s information when you swipe it.

Another way is through information theft from online checkouts, where your information can be hacked.

Thieves can also fraudulently request your information via emails that look like your bank or another trusted source.

First, don’t use your card at sites or stores you don’t trust. If the card reader looks strange or the instructions seem suspicious, don’t use it.

Second, make sure you’re using the latest available technology – cards with chips instead of a magnetic stripe are less vulnerable to hacking.

Third, if you receive a phone call or email asking for your information, triple-check that it’s actually what it appears to be. Don’t click any links in an email, and if in doubt, look up the website separately and call to ask if the email is legitimate.

And fourth, make sure you’re regularly checking your bank statement to watch for unauthorized charges.

Apply for a Mercer Savings Bank Credit Card