Sorry if this sounds stupid but, I want to know what I'm getting myself into and want to make sure the info I have is correct.. Thank you!(:
NEVER use a debit card, other than to make deposits and withdrawals from that banks ATM machines.
A DEBIT Card is instant access to the Checking or Savings account linked to it. If lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised the account(s) can be drained with no recourse.
A CREDIT Card has protections, a federal limit of 50$ in most cases should the card be used fraudulently.
You would do better with a Pre-Paid credit card if you cannot get a Bank Card through normal credit procedure.
Normal use of DC is the same as a CC, except that many stores require the entry of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to conclude the transaction. This is where the card is dangerous, should someone else get the PIN and the card (or a clone) they can run wild using it until the account is depleted.
If you use an ATM, there is a charge of a few dollars from the ATM's bank and (often) your own. (This is known as "double-dipping"). I avoid this by buying something at a store with the card and asking for "cash back" (like $40) from a purchase.
Europe may be a different story. Withdraw about $200 at a time from an ATM when you need money, and keep your card in a safe place the rest of the time.
There could be limitations for minors, I really don't know.
Usually transactions almost immediately take the purchase out of the bank account, it's possible that if you spend more than is in the account the bank might cover it but charge a fat overdraft protection service fee of like $24 to $39, it's worth asking if it has overdraft protection (I would rather not have it)
They are not as safe as credit cards as far as you may not refunds if someone else is able to use a stolen copy of your card#. It's not as safe for online sales as credit or paypal where you have some buyer protection.
Specifically she wont know what you buy but will know where you shop at. So if you goto walmart she will see you spent ten dollars in walmart thats it. So you goto the register to buy something, they will say "Debit or Credit". If you want to get change back from the transaction you will say debit and enter in your password. If you are going to just buy something without getting any change back in cash form you will say credit and sign a piece of paper.
You're too young.
