Merchant Lynx, Quicker than making a trip to the ATM, more convenient than writing checks, and safer than carrying cash.
Accepted at millions of merchant locations worldwide.
No need to use your PIN—just sign as you would for any Visa card.
Visa check card purchases are automatically deducted from your checking account, so there’s no interest to pay.
Simplify your record-keeping—your monthly statement provides you with a detailed record of all your transactions.
And remember, no matter where you're shopping, you can feel confident using your Visa® card because we're always working to keep you safe — providing multiple layers of security. For example, with Visa's Zero Liability, you're protected against unauthorized use, so you won't have to pay for fraudulent purchases you don't make.

Visa Extras program
The Visa Extras program allows you to earn a broad range of rewards just for using your Visa check card.

With Visa Extras, you’ll earn points for every dollar you spend on qualifying purchases with your enrolled Visa check card. Those points quickly add up to exciting reward choices–everything from easily obtainable, everyday goods to larger, higher-value rewards.

Note: you’ll need to check with your issuer to determine if your card is eligible for the Visa Extras program and for specific program details.

Visa's Zero Liability policy covers U.S.–issued cards only and does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify issuer promptly of any unauthorized use.

Credit Vs. Debit
It's time to kick that cash to the curb and make way for plastic. Merchant Lynx, Credit and debit cards now account for the majority of in-store purchases in the U.S.

Merchant Lynx, According to a recent study by the American Bankers Association and Dove Consulting, credit cards account for 21% of purchases, debit cards, which can be signature-debit or PIN-debit, garner 31% of the volume, while pre-paid or gift cards take 2%. Signature-debit purchases, through Visa or MasterCard, require buyers to sign a receipt. These transactions can settle within hours or a few days. PIN-debit purchases, which require buyers to enter their personal identification number into a keypad, are withdrawn in seconds.

Just as the paper versus plastic debate looks all but decided, the fight for your wallet has become an almost dizzying battle among card industry giants.

The tussle has several fronts and too many constituents to count. There are the merchants--stores like Wal-Mart (nyse: WMT - news - people ), Safeway (nyse: SWY - news - people ) and Sears (nyse: S - news - people )--which reached multibillion-dollar settlements with Visa USA and MasterCard in 2003 over allegations that the card conglomerates were gouging them on high-fee signature-debit purchases. There are outstanding lawsuits between processor First Data (nyse: FDC - news - people ) and Visa USA, related to First Data's desire to keep certain card transactions within its network. There are fights between regional ATM/PIN-debit operators and national networks.

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And, of course, there's the increasing weight mega-banks like Citigroup (nyse: C - news - people ) and post-merger J.P. Morgan Chase (nyse: JPM - news - people ) and Bank of America (nyse: BAC - news - people ) will have on the industry.

What does all of this mean for U.S. consumers? It's a mixed bag. Wal-Mart no longer accepts MasterCard signature-debit, while card issuers are set to begin clearly labeling cards credit or debt. Credit and charge card rewards for consumers are growing in value as debit rewards start to take hold. And some banks, taking a page from international practices, now charge users when they make a PIN-debit purchase.

Despite these trends, the move toward debit is clear. For example, U.S. consumers spent $82 billion with their MasterCard signature-debit cards in 2003, a 17% increase from the year before, compared with $405 billion on credit, just 8% growth. Total signature-debit transactions grew 16% to nearly 2 billion swipes compared with credit's 7% growth and 4.9 billion purchases.

Consumers are increasingly turning to PIN and signature debit for everyday purchases. The dollars come out of a checking account immediately, alleviating the worry of credit card bills and interest rates. However, many debit cards still carry a maximum daily spending limit (sometimes up to $5,000) and don't offer cash-back rewards, so those big purchases will still have to go on your credit card.

Merchant Lynx Understanding Debit Cards
Janet uses her bank debit card for almost all her monthly purchases. Asked why she doesn't just pay with cash, she says that she prefers the convenience of a debit card. "It's safer than carrying cash. And you don't have a huge bill to pay at the end of the month."

Merchant Lynx, "I like the pay-as-you-go concept where you only spend what you have rather than borrowing" as you would with a credit card, she adds. And of course, if you don't pay off your credit card completely each month, "there are the hefty credit charges."They can run 9 percent to 20 percent.

If you want the convenience of a credit card, but don't want interest payments or a large bill to pay off monthly, then a debit card may be the answer for you, too. Debit cards work like cash or a personal check. The money you "charge" is automatically deducted from your bank account.

Yet, debit cards don't have the same protections from unauthorized use as credit cards.

Debit Card or Credit Card?

What's the difference between a debit card and a credit card?

While a debit card looks like a credit card, it works more like cash or a personal check. You "pay now." With a credit card, you "pay later."

Debit means "subtract." When you use a debit card, you subtract money from your own checking or savings account. As with credit cards, you use it in stores for purchases. At check-out, the card reader electronically contacts your bank and subtracts the amount from your account. The money you have in your bank account limits how much you can spend. However, if you are not careful in watching your daily account balance, you can over withdraw your account. Some systems will allow you to use your debit card when you don't have enough money in your account to cover the purchase. This can result in hefty overdraft fees.

Using Merchant Lynx, a credit card is somewhat like taking out a loan from a bank or other financial institution. You have to pay back the credit you used each month. If you pay back less than the full amount you owe each month, you pay interest on the amount you don't pay back. The credit card company sets the total amount you can charge based on your credit history, income, debts and ability to pay.

Some cards are dual-purpose credit/debit cards. Before you swipe the card through the reader, you select a "credit" or "debit" button on the reader. If you select "debit," you then enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

If you select "credit," you are given a credit receipt to sign. "Credit" charges will appear on your next charge account bill.

What are the advantages of a debit card?

It is often easier to get than a credit card.
You don't have to get your check approved or show identification at stores.
You don't have to carry cash, a checkbook or traveler's checks.
Debit cards are more readily accepted than checks, especially when you are traveling.
You don't pay interest charges.
Because checkout lines move faster, storeowners like debit cards. They don't worry about bounced checks or need to take checks or cash to the bank. Debit card processing fees for the merchant are generally lower than credit card fees.

Merchant Lynx Services, what are the disadvantages of a debit card?

You need enough money in your bank account to cover each purchase.
Since you paid for the purchase at checkout and the money is out of your account, you have less protection if something goes wrong with the purchase. Your bank won't put money back into your account for items that are never delivered, don't work or were misrepresented.
You may have bank fees—such as monthly service charges, per-transaction costs or penalties—for dropping below your required minimum balance. Check with your bank to find out those extra costs.
You have less protection if your debit card is lost or misused than with a credit card.
Protecting Your Debit Card
A debit card is like a blank check, so you need to guard the card and the account number carefully against loss or misuse. A thief can clear out your bank account before you even know your card is missing.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, or if you think someone is using it fraudulently, call your bank immediately. a href="http://www.bebo.com/MerchantL" target="_blank">Follow the phone call with a letter.<

Thieves don't even need your card. As long as they have your name and card number, they can order goods by mail or over the telephone. They can wipe out your bank account before you know the card is missing, or even when you still have the card in your pocket. Protect your debit card by holding on to your debit card receipts and check them against your bank statement each month.

Merchant Lynx, Memorize your PIN but don't keep it with your card. Don't choose one that a smart thief could figure out, like your phone number, address, birthday or part of your Social Security number. Never give your PIN to anyone.

What if your debit card is lost, stolen or misused?
You must act quickly. The most you can lose is $50 if you report to the bank or credit union that your card is lost or stolen within two days of when you discover the loss. However, your liability increases to a maximum of $500 if you report within 60 days after you receive your bank statement.

If you don't to notify your bank within 60 days after you receive your bank statement, your liability is unlimited. You could lose all the money in your account. Check your bank statements carefully and promptly for charges you didn't make.

Some major debit card issuers provide more protection. Some state laws cap your total loss at $50.

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