Debit or Credit: Which To Use?

As you get closer to graduation, you'll find more junk mail in your mailbox—text, snail mail, and e-mail.

Soon after that will include a flood of credit and debit card solicitations—all addressed to you. They might even spell your name right.

You're probably tempted to sign up for one of these plastic cards.

Why would you want a credit or a debit card? Think convenience. They often work when checks don't:

Some businesses—restaurants, for example—don't accept personal checks, but they'll accept credit cards and debit cards.
Personal checks are rarely accepted outside your city or state, but can use plastic nationally and internationally.
Using plastic is faster than writing a check.
You have to remember to reorder checks when you run out.
Checks cost you money.

So which do you use, and when?

Whose money are you using?

The question of debit card versus credit card isn't an either/or decision. Both cards have a place in your pocket.

But, while they may look alike and can be used for the same purpose, there's a big difference between a debit and a credit card.

The difference is: whose money are you using?

Depending on which card you use for a particular purchase, you'll be using either your's, or a lenders money....

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	What makes credit unions so great? Members like you. Every dollar you invest in your credit union earns you money while other members borrow it. When you're ready for a loan, other members' savings will be there to help you out at the lowest possible cost.