| Debit cards can be a real pain. I saw a segment on the evening news where a lady was out of her entire week's budget after purchasing $20 worth of gas. The gas merchant placed a "hold" on her entire balance of $200 for a week, and she could not buy groceries with her card. I though that was totally ridiculous and untrue until my teenager called me in panic that her card with $50 on it was rejected when she was trying to buy a $5 sandwich. Guess what - she just filled her car with gas. I called the bank, and yes, there was a "hold" on her balance way beyond the amount paid for that gas! It cleared out in about a week, but from now on she pays cash for her gas.
We stick with credit card purchases and just pay off the balance every billing cycle. It takes discipline, but it is less hassle.
To the OP: check with your bank about its policies. |