Don't Use Debit (Check) Cards
Clark Howard has a collection of tips, most of them against using debit cards (Wachovia called them check cards.) With credti cards there are all kinds of rules and regulations that protect you in case of fraud or merchant error. A simple phone call will typically clear up any problem.
Debit cards do not have the same level of protection. And because they can be used without a PIN number, you can have a lot more hassle with a stolen debit card than a stolen credit card.
Wachovia keeps sending us "Visa Check Cards." I call them and tell them we do not want them. We just want an ATM card. Clarke's June 4 post suggest I may not be able to get away with this much longer.
Clark Howard: Tips on Debit cards
I have told Bank of America I don't want a check card and they gave me a regular ATM card. The only reason I use Bank of America is they have a massive ATM network and that's how I do all of my banking. If they make me take a check card I would be upset.
Recently one of my utility checks was turned into a debit transaction instead and I never got the check back in the mail. That's kind of scary too.