> But how is this specific to "credit" cards? Don't debit cards get the same protection? No, they don't. It gets confusing because many banks do offer protecti

> But how is this specific to "credit" cards? Don't debit cards get the same protection? No, they don't. It gets confusing because many banks do offer protections against debit card fraud, but that's entirely up to the bank and its terms of service (which of course they can change at any moment). The credit card protections are by regulation, so you can count on them regardless of bank and the banks can't change them. A debit card is a straight siphon into your bank account. The bank may or may not help in the case of fraud, depending how much they feel like retaining your business. A credit card is a strong firewall between expenses and your money, both in implementation (it's a separate account after all) and regulation (you're not liable for fraudulent use). So, in the USA always use credit cards. Avoid debit cards. I try to not have any debit cards (it can't be exploited if it doesn't exist) although lately it has been more difficult since banks insist on sending me debit cards I don't want. So I store them away, will never carry or use them.