« Return to Blog

ATM & Debit Card Safety: Being vigilant will help to keep you safe.

ATM & Debit Card Safety

ATM and debit cards have become a routine part of life in many households. It’s no wonder, since they provide 24-hour access to your money any time of the day or night. Protecting yourself and your ATM or debit card should be a part of your daily routine:

Keep Your Card Safe

  • Never leave your card where it might easily be stolen.
  • Never write your personal identification number (PIN) on your card or even near it.
  • Never disclose your PIN to another person.
  • Don’t store your card next to another credit card with a magnetic strip. Close proximity may erase the magnetic coding.
  • Always notify both your credit union and the police immediately if your card is stolen.

Protect Yourself Too

  • Safe Approach – If the ATM you wish to use is not within a secured facility, approach with care. Watch out for suspicious people or circumstances.
  • Be Prepared – Have your ATM or debit card ready and be prepared so that you can complete you transaction faster.
  • Protect Your PIN – If there are others nearby, be sure that they can’t see you input your code number. Use your body as a screen.
  • Don’t Tempt Thieves – After you have completed your transaction, if you have received cash, leave quickly. Exposing cash could invite trouble.
  • Safe Departure – Once again, watch for suspicious people or circumstances. If you suspect a problem, go to the nearest populated location or the police immediately.
  • Telephone Fraud – Never disclose your account number or PIN to anyone who calls you on the phone, regardless of the circumstances. Credit union personnel do not have access to your PIN and should never need it.

Remembering these tips will make using ATMs safer and less time consuming for you and allow you to fully enjoy this convenient service… compliments of your credit union!

debit cards vs credit cards

Debit Cards Versus Credit Cards: Pros and cons of each type of card.

Debit cards versus credit cards: Two similar, yet very different payment methods. Proponents for each side offer their case. Debit card proponents have stated that credit cards lead to dangerous spending habits and mountains of debt. Credit card proponents tout that when used responsibly, credit cards can build positive credit history, provide attractive travel and cashback rewards, and offer other benefits over debit cards, such as better fraud protection and improved credit scores. So which side is correct?

Read more

Banking Fundamentals

Banking Made Simple: Understanding financial fundamentals.

Understanding banking basics is a must for anyone who spends, manages, transfers, or inherits money. The topic can feel overwhelming – the landscape of financial products continues to expand, making it ever more complex and difficult to keep up. Unfortunately, only a limited number of Americans are even offered any sort of financial education. Only…

Read more

Credit Card Transaction

How to Effectively Manage a Credit Card: Proven strategies for success.

Credit cards offer numerous benefits, including convenience, fraud protection, and rewards. They can also help build a solid credit history, leading to financial opportunities such as better loan approval chances and access to lower interest rates. However, overlooking the potential downsides of credit cards can be detrimental. Many individuals find themselves trapped in perpetual consumption…

Read more