7 Tips for using your debit card safely and securely

Debit cards have now become a staple in everyday transactions, providing ease and convenience to access money. With the growth in digital payment, fraud and theft risks also grew. Ensuring your debit card is secure is important in safeguarding your hard-earned cash. The following are seven handy tips on safe and secure use of your debit card while shopping online or making purchases offline.

1. Keep Your PIN Confidential

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the first layer of security for your debit card. Never share it with anyone, and avoid writing it down where it can be easily accessed. When entering your PIN at an ATM or a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, shield the keypad with your hand to prevent onlookers or hidden cameras from capturing it.

Your PIN should be strong and not guessable. Don't use common figures such as your birth year, phone number, or sequential numbers. If your bank permits, change your PIN from time to time to provide an additional security measure.

2. Turn on Transaction Alerts

All banks, including JS Bank, provide SMS and email notification of each transaction executed using your debit card. Having these alerts turned on will allow you to keep track of your spending in real time and promptly identify unauthorized usage. In the event you are alerted about a transaction that was not executed by you, contact your bank instantly.

These alerts can also help you stay within your budget by keeping track of your expenses, ensuring that you do not overspend.

3. Use Secure ATMs and POS Machines

Always draw cash from ATMs in highly lit, secure places, ideally within bank offices or authorized premises. Never make withdrawals from compromised ATMs that appear to have been tampered with or have loose, suspicious attachments on the card reader. Criminals usually fit such ATMs with skimming devices that will steal your card details.

Also, when buying at retail outlets, ensure the POS terminal is authentic. If the device appears dubious or old, use cash or another method of payment.

4. Use Online Transactions with Caution

Online shopping has simplified payments, but this is accompanied by security threats. To keep your debit card safe when buying online:

• Make online purchases only from trusted sites that have "https://" in the address. The "s" is for secure encryption.

• Don't save your card information on websites, particularly on public or shared computers.

• Use virtual debit cards or payment gateways such as PayPal if available to provide an additional layer of security.

• Where possible, use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases, as credit cards tend to have more effective fraud protection.

5. Place Spending Limits on Your Debit Card

Most banks permit you to place daily spending and withdrawal limits on your debit card. This can serve to reduce potential losses if your card is stolen or lost.

By placing a limit, even if fraudsters have access to your card, they will not be able to withdraw large sums before you can freeze the card. You can change these limits using online banking or by calling your bank.

6. Check Your Bank Statements Regularly

Checking your bank statements regularly will enable you to detect any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. If you see any unknown charges, inform your bank as soon as possible.

Most banks, such as those which provide a debit card in Pakistan, have applications for mobile that enable customers to view their history of transactions online. Using such tools guarantees you have a perfect picture of your financial activity at all times and can respond at once if there is something fishy.

7. Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately

In case your debit card is stolen or lost, inform your bank promptly to block the card. The sooner you report, the less opportunity fraudsters have to use your card for fraudulent transactions.

Emergency card blocking is available with most banks through mobile banking applications, customer service lines, or SMS services. After reporting the loss or theft, ask for a replacement card and change your PIN to ensure security.

Final Thoughts

Safely using a debit card involves a balance of good practice and vigilance. By practicing these seven suggestions, you can safeguard your finances and minimize fraud risk. Stay vigilant at all times, watch your transactions closely, and benefit from security services offered by your bank. Prioritizing security, you can have the ease of digital transactions without any worry of risks.