Debit/Credit-Sylva G

I have been a dedicated debit card users since I am came to college in 2003. There has been numerous occasions where I or close friends of mine have had debit card purchase nightmares. I use to get so stressed out when I saw errors on my bank statements. The small hassle I have to go through to get the problem fixed is just as much work as changing a light bulb. But sometimes these small errors can lead to huge overdraft fees and hours of phone conversations with bank employees.

My first occurrence was with a new, local ice cream parlor. I was charged twice for a huge order. The next day I was in total shock. My account was negative! I went into a panic and immediately called my mother. She told me how to go about getting the problem solved. I called the ice cream parlor and spoke with a manager. The manager was at first, somewhat confused about the situation, however he assured me that by the end of the week, the money would be put back into my account.

Another example of debit card usage gone wrong occurred at a local bar and grill. For amateurs like myself, I did not know exactly what happens when you "run a tab". A lot of bars now have pre-authorization charges. This means that basically they check to make sure you actually have the money in your account to pay for what you order. My pre-authorization charge was fifty dollars! I was horrified. I had only spent fifteen dollars! Again, I talked to a great manager who explained the situation and by the following week, my money was back into my account.

My only suggestion for companies with pre-authorization charges is to state that somewhere in the facility or on the receipts. It may take a little time to get the message out but the effort can save more time and decrease the amount of calls a business gets from angry and confused customers. My advice to fellow debit card users is that using this card takes risks and requires patience. Yes, there will be several times when you buy gas with your card and it seems like forever before the transaction is complete. That's why it's best that you keep track of your money on your own--Know what you are spending.