Debit Card Security

Debit Card Protections

• Consumers might not be aware that many of the same features and protections provided by their credit card are also offered with debit cards, including:


• Protections which guard cardholders from fraudulent or unauthorized charges, like "Zero Liability," are typically in effect when a cardholder signs for their purchase or makes a purchase online.


• Zero Liability generally means cardholders are not liable for unauthorized purchases made on their debit cards as long as they notify their financial institution in a timely manner.


• Zero Liability surpasses protections mandated by federal law, which in most cases caps liability at either $50 or $500.


• Timely replacement of funds from your financial institution, in the unlikely event of fraud


• Federal law mandates that financial intuitions replace funds for losses resulting from fraudulent card use within 10 business days of notification. However, in many cases, cardholders will have access to funds within five business days of notification to their financial institution – sometimes sooner.


• Consumers should check with their bank for more specifics on their policies on replacing funds.


• The ability to dispute debit card charges should an issue arise with a merchant regarding your purchase.