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What Fees can you be charged with a Debit Card?

Posted August 5th, 2010and last modified January 10th, 2012

Credit cards have many fees and charges that come with using the card. Many people will use debit cards when they can as they will save money on fees and will not be charged any interest. However, most debit cards will come with a variety of fees that you should be aware of. This article will explain what a debit card is and what type of transactions can be made with the card. Furthermore, this article will also explain what fees are charged with the debit card.

What is a Debit Card

There are many types of cards that are available to help you make purchases. In this section we will explain what debit cards are:

  • Debit card. A debit card is a card that allows you to make purchases that you would usually require a credit card for. However, the debit card allows you to use your own money. Before you use the card you will have to put money on the card. This can be done online or by the provider. Once you have money on the card the debit card will function like a credit card but you will be using your own money.

What Type of Transactions can you make on a Debit Card

Most debit cards will allow you to make two types of transactions. These transactions are:

  • Purchases. The debit card will allow you to make purchases on goods in stores or online.
  • Withdraw cash. If you have put money onto the card you will be able to withdraw the amount at any ATM that accepts VISA or MasterCard.

What Fees are Charged with Debit Cards

While the debit cards will save you money when compared to credit cards you will still have to pay some fees. Some of the fees you may have to pay will be:

  • Monthly service fees. Most debit cards will require you to pay a monthly service fee. This fee will cover the general administration of your card.
  • Fees for domestic transactions. If you make a transaction in the country that you bought the card you may have to pay a fee. This will only be a small amount but if you make many purchases they may add up. You may be able to avoid transaction fees by withdrawing money from the ATM of your provider.
  • Fees for international transactions. Most debit cards will charge a small fee on international purchases. This will usually be more than the domestic fee and can add up quickly if you use your card a lot.
  • Foreign currency fee. Some debit cards may charge you an additional fee to transfer the money into another currency. When you are overseas it is recommended that you make large purchases getting many goods at the one time so you can avoid being constantly charged these fees.
  • Reload fee. Many of the providers will also charge you a reload fee. This is a fee that will be charged to your card when you put money onto the card. Once again to avoid paying a lot in reload fees you should reload only when you are putting large amounts on the card.

The debit cards are a great way to make purchases that would usually require a credit card. However, like credit cards you will be charged a variety of fees with each action you take on the card. To save money on these fees you should use the card for large purchases and reload the card with large sums of money as little as possible.

Related posts:

  1. Difference between Debit Card and Credit Card
  2. How to get a Debit Card
  3. Advantages of Having a Debit Card
  4. Best debit card Australia
  5. Virtual debit card
  6. Cheapest Debit Card
  7. Maestro Debit Card

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