# Can my ATM check card like a credit card to buy things over the internet? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 30, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703 "2003-12-30T04:30:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Muad\_Dib](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/35a633/32.png) [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/1 "2003-12-30T04:30:49Z")
I feel like an idiot for not knowing this, but can I? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/2 "2003-12-30T04:36:39Z")
Yep. I do it all the time. As long as it’s the type of check card with a Visa or MAstercard logo, you’re good to go. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/3 "2003-12-30T04:46:11Z")
Usually, but not always. Some online vendors won’t accept them. Having said that I must suggest that you never, **EVER** do this! The reason is that if your credit card number gets hacked all that can happen is someone can run up a debt. And because there’s a paper trail most credit cards only hold you responsible for the first $50. If however your debit card number gets stolen and used **that money is GONE!** They can literally empty your checking account and you will have little recourse in ever getting it back. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/4 "2003-12-30T04:47:48Z")
Contact the financial institution that issued the card. - If they view it as a credit card, your are protected by law to a $50.00 maximum liability against fradulent use. Even so, if you suspect fraud, your financial institution may even cover that $50.00. - However, if they view it as a debit card, you have _no_ protection under the law and it is very easy to drain your entire account before you realize what is happening. Make sure whatever answer you get from your financial institution is in writing. Advice over the phone may not be good enough, especially if that voice you hear is on an expert on such matters. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/5 "2003-12-30T04:52:10Z")
Some of the above is inaccurate: > [@](#): > > **Government regulations require debit card issuers to set a maximum liability of $50 if the debit card is reported lost or stolen within two days of discovery**. Liability increases to $500 if the lost or stolen debit card is reported within 60 days. Neglect to notify the bank of the theft within 60 days after a bank statement is sent, and you could lose everything in your checking and overdraft accounts. > > Check with your financial institution about your liability. Many issuers offer consumers better protection than what is required in government regulations. One type of check card offers consumers “zero liability” in cases of fraud, theft, or other unauthorized card usage if reported by the cardholder within two business days after discovery. After the two-day period, the cardholder could be liable for a maximum of $50. Some other cards limit consumers’ liability for fraudulent use of stolen debit cards to $50 From [here](http://www.natlconsumersleague.org/debitbro.htm#whatif). Bolding mine. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/6 "2003-12-30T04:55:51Z")
I’ve been using my debit card like this for a few years now. Having my checking account cleaned out is not a big worry for me, considering my meager finances. “Oh man! Some dumbass just swiped my last $18.63!” ---
**Author:** ![Peanuthead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peanuthead/32/360_2.png) [@Peanuthead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanuthead)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/7 "2003-12-30T04:59:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Duckster \* > \*\*\* If they view it as a credit card, your are protected by law to a $50.00 maximum liability against fradulent use. Even so, if you suspect fraud, your financial institution may even cover that $50.00. > > - However, if they view it as a debit card, you have _no_ protection under the law and it is very easy to drain your entire account before you realize what is happening. > > \*\* My bank issued me a card that can be used as both a debit and a credit card depending on what I choose at the time of purchase. The funds are deducted from my checking account either way. Do I have any protection with this arrangement? ---
**Author:** ![Muad\_Dib](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/35a633/32.png) [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/8 "2003-12-30T05:03:51Z")
Yeesh, I better just get a lousy credit card. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/9 "2003-12-30T05:04:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Q.E.D. \* > \*\*Some of the above is inaccurate. \*\* I stand corrected. From the horse’s mouth: > [@](#): > > Credit Card Loss or Fraudulent Charges (FCBA). Your maximum liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50. If you report the loss before your credit cards are used, the FCBA says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized charges. If a thief uses your cards before you report them missing, the most you will owe for unauthorized charges is $50 per card. Also, if the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized use. > > After the loss, review your billing statements carefully. If they show any unauthorized charges, it’s best to send a letter to the card issuer describing each questionable charge. Again, tell the card issuer the date your card was lost or stolen, or when you first noticed unauthorized charges, and when you first reported the problem to them. Be sure to send the letter to the address provided for billing errors. Do not send it with a payment or to the address where you send your payments unless you are directed to do so. > > ATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers (EFTA). Your liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your ATM or debit card depends on how quickly you report the loss. If you report an ATM or debit card missing before it’s used without your permission, the EFTA says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized transfers. If unauthorized use occurs before you report it, your liability under federal law depends on how quickly you report the loss. > > For example, if you report the loss within two business days after you realize your card is missing, you will not be responsible for more than $50 for unauthorized use. However, if you don’t report the loss within two business days after you discover the loss, you could lose up to $500 because of an unauthorized transfer. You also risk unlimited loss if you fail to report an unauthorized transfer within 60 days after your bank statement containing unauthorized use is mailed to you. That means you could lose all the money in your bank account and the unused portion of your line of credit established for overdrafts. However, for unauthorized transfers involving only your debit card number (not the loss of the card), you are liable only for transfers that occur after 60 days following the mailing of your bank statement containing the unauthorized use and before you report the loss. Source: [http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.htm](http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Hilow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@Hilow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilow)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/10 "2003-12-30T06:33:31Z")
While it is true that your money is protected similarly to a credit card, there is one issue that hasn’t been addressed. Unlike a credit card, the money stolen is actually yours, so it is possible that outstanding checks will bounce during the time it takes to have the money restored to your account. Regardless, you will not have access to the missing money until it has been restored to your account and this can take quite a bit of time. ---
**Author:** ![BurntToast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BurntToast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurntToast)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/11 "2003-12-30T07:51:53Z")
as long as it has a credit card symbol on it then yeah, you can use it NP. hail ants, are you sure some places won’t take them? afaik they woulden’t even be able to tell the diff between a ‘real’ cc and your check card. and as for the number getting stolen, it happened to my buddy and the bank actually called him and he ended up getting it all back. had to fill out a bunch of papers and stuff but i imagine you would have to do that too even if it was a regular cc. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/12 "2003-12-30T08:12:58Z")
Don’t forget honest mistakes. Not all systems are automated. I worked for the third largest hotel company in the world. Our system was NOT automated. We would receive your credit card / debit card and type in the amount. Sometimes you would make an honest mistake and type in 3,000.00 instead of 300.00. Of course you may not notice till 8 hours when you go to balance out. Then you reverese it but sometimes the reversal can take a while. It can be a mess. The best thing to do is get ONE credit card with a low limit. (Say 300 or 500 dollars). And use that just for internet. And if worse came to worse you would only be out 300.00. Also make sure you are looking at secure sites. Do you see the lock in your browser or does it start with HTTPS \<–Note the S. I personally believe it is far easier to go thru the garbage to get cc numbers but it never hurts to be safe. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2003, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-atm-check-card-like-a-credit-card-to-buy-things-over-the-internet/221703/13 "2003-12-30T09:10:49Z")
There’s no way to offer a cite, as this is personal experience. If the card has “VISA” or “MASTERCARD” it is treated exactly like a credit card. Just trust me, I can’t cite this, but that’s it. Call the bank tomorrow… Now to your problem. Were you trying to use it at a website outside the US? With fraud problems (we got hit twice) Visa pretty much says “see ya later” when you try to use your account at an offshore business. The other would be a limit you may have agreed to when you opened the card account. I won’t say what our limit is, but if we hit it, the card ain’t working till the next day. Hope that helped (though I doubt it)