Debit Card Dangers: Answers to Your Questions

Feb. 19 -- Many of you asked about how to find and prevent debit card fees after Wednesday's Good Morning America segment on debit card related fees.

You'll find my answers to your most frequently asked debit card questions in my online Q & A below.

Q U E S T I O N: If you use a debt card to pay your bills (car payment, rent, credit cards, etc...) do you get credit for having "good credit" on your credit report? What about if you have automatic withdraw from your checking account? Does it show up as good credit? — DougDayton, Ohio

A N S W E R: A debit card does not affect your credit report like a credit card. Therefore, your debit card purchases do not enable you to build-up positive credit. However, by using your debit card instead of your credit card, you can avoid running up a costly tab and facing the potential negative impact on your credit report from late payments and outstanding balances. Not to mention, high credit card interest rate payments.

Q U E S T I O N: I use my debit card like a credit card, I do not punch in my PIN number. They always ask if it is debit or credit. I tell them credit. Is there any type of charge for this? Also, if I do use my debit PIN, can I ask if there is a charge to whom ever I am purchasing from? Or will it only appear in my bank statement? — VickyTyler, Texas

A N S W E R: Normally, there is not a charge for using your debit card like a credit card and simply signing for the purchase. However, it is important to review your monthly bank statement to determine if you are being charged for any of your debit card purchases. As for asking the retailer about any charges, all fees are dependent on your financial institution and are not determined by the individual retailer so the clerk will not know. As such, it is important you call your bank or carefully review your statement.

Q U E S T I O N: I often use my debit card as a credit card when making online purchases. Will that change?