Written by Natalia Bravo

Why You Should Use a Debit Card Instead of Cash

April 14, 2016
Personal Finance
2 minutes read
In this article

Are you still using cash to pay for everything, whether it’s your groceries or a money transfer?

A debit card is an easy alternative to paying with cash—and can also help make it easier to get cash when you need it.

If you’re hesitant about using a debit card, we can answer some common questions, with help from Spencer Tierney at NerdWallet, who says, “Knowing what they are and when to use them will help you avoid fees and other inconveniences.”

What is a debit card?
It’s a card that is linked to your checking account. You can use it to make online purchases by entering your debit card number at checkout. It’s also faster and more convenient for in-person purchases! If you really need cash, simply find your closest in-network ATM.

How do I get a debit card?
You will typically get a free debit card when you open a checking account with your bank or credit union. “If you don’t receive a debit card, ask your bank for one,” says Spencer.

Are debit card transactions free?

Not always, but it’s easy to avoid fees once you know some common ones. According to NerdWallet, the most common fees include out-of-network ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and overdraft fees.

With the Pangea Money Transfer app, you can use a debit card to easily send money to Mexico and Latin America, and it’s a flat fee of $4.95, no matter how much you need to send.

Is using a debit card as safe as paying with cash?
Debit cards are safer to use than cash or a check! Cash is easy to lose, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. But if your debit card is ever lost or stolen, you can report it to your bank, and fraudulent charges will be protected.

At Pangea Money Transfer, your security is our top priority. When you use your debit card to send a money transfer to Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, or Dominican Republic, we protect your transaction from start to finish.

If you have any questions about how we protect your personal information at Pangea, or how to use our mobile app, please call us at +1 866-858-9928. ¡Hablamos español!

#HappySending

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