Follow these debit card tips so you don't waste your money

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you are trying to handle less cash these days to avoid getting a $5 or $10 bill with COVID-19 on item, that probably means you're using your debit card a lot more.

But before you do, follow this caution.

These days, many people are trying not to handle cash to lower their risk of catching COVID-19.

So they are paying with credit and debit cards everywhere. But before you pull out that debit card, buyer beware.

Business Insider says debit can be dangerous.

The problem: the money immediately comes out of your bank account.

So it says don't use a debit card at:

• Gas stations, because of skimming scams, and because stations often put a $75 temporary hold on the card.

• At hotels, because the desk may pre-authorize, and hold, $400 on your card at check-in.

• On a rental car, where again the rental firm may hold hundreds of dollars until you return the car.

• At restaurants, where the server takes your card to a back room.

• And on big tv's and furniture, where debit gives you no leverage if it's defective.

And from the doesn't that stink file, the worst place to use debit: online shopping at unfamiliar websites.

item never arrives? You'll say doesn't that stink.

Business Insider says credit cards give you a one-month loan.

So you can dispute a questionable charge.

If you fall victim to fraud with a debit card, it can take months to get that money back.

With a credit card you can stop the charge so you don't waste your money.