Riskier Places to Use Your Debit Card

Riskier Places to Use Your Debit Card

When you pay with your debit card, you're taking more of a risk than when using a credit card. If your debit card information is compromised, your whole account could be drained before you know it. So when using one in these places, it's a good idea to be a bit more careful.

Outdoor ATMs

Outdoor ATMs (especially in low-traffic areas) are at higher risk for card skimming devices and pinpoint cameras than ATMs located inside a bank or business.

Gas Pumps

Skimming devices on gas pumps can be impossible to detect because they might be placed inside the pump and use Bluetooth technology.

Online

When you pay online, you face the risk of being compromised at multiple points (see our guide: Shopping Safer Online) including

  • your computer
  • your network
  • the website you’re paying

Restaurants

In restaurants where you give servers your card to pay your bill, portable skimming devices can be used to copy your card’s information when you’re not able to see it.