Reply #15: Nothing "new".. a DEBIT card is nothing more than an instant-electronic check

[SoCalDem]

Even if you write a check, they run it through a reader at the register, and funds totaling the amount can be verified and of course, the amount "earmarked" for that particular check "set aside" to cover it.

Merchants don't like getting bounced checks:)

Electronic banking these days makes the old pattern of "kiting" nearly impossible :)

The secret to using a debit card is to always record every transaction and to know how much money you have, so you don't go over the limit.

There are fees associated with that.. My son swiped his card for small amounts and did not record them, and ended up paying out $20 in fees for a $1.75 purchase...because he truly did not know how much he had in the account..