Cheque vs Debit cards

CathJ

CathJ

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I've just realised that I can get a free cheque card and free transactions (well, included in my fixed monthly fee). Currently I have a debit card - will I lose out on any functionality if I replace it with a cheque card?
 
You can use a cheque card as a debit card.

So not much of a difference
 
Nope, not that i know of?
I can withdraw money from my cheque card at ATM's, use it like a debit card everywhere else.

I am actually unsure as to what the difference is actually...I have both a cheque and debit card linked to the same account. They seem to do the same thing, my cheque card has a chip so it still requires a pin..
 
I think you'll gain functionality... I might be wrong and things might have changed but I think the biggest difference is that cheque cards tend to be proper Master Cards or Visa Cards, as opposed to Maestro or Electron cards, so you use them like you would a normal credit card... You can use c cheque card for online purchases for example, which isn't the case with a debit card.
 
You don't mention a bank ?
I am with FNB, and have a smart cheque account.
Ask them for the electronic, fixed fee option.
All statements come via EMAIL. And you have a fixed fee for your transactions (use the card all the time - eliminate cash where possible) - something like R80 a month
it has been working well for me thus far
 
you build credit history by using a cheque card / cheque account , as far as i know.
 
Also, since cheque cards are either Mastercard or Visa, you can use them to shop online.
 
Cheque cards are like a combination of debit- and credit cards, with the difference being that you transfer money directly from your account, so there's no interest and payments and whatnot as with a credit card. So you can use it just like a credit card, (online or at restaurants etc.) Or like a debit card at stores. You won't lose any functionality, just get more. Also, you can have both a cheque and debit card on your account anyways.

Edit: Oh and cheque cards don't have that stupid R2000 limit on. So you can actually buy nice things with it.
 
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Cool - I already have a credit card, so I don't need it to shop online; the main benefit to me is that debit card purchases aren't included in my cheque account's fixed monthly fee, but cheque card purchases are. So it looks like there's no reason not to switch.
 
One thing that I picked up using cheque card (fnb no chip on card) you cant draw money from Pnp or Checkers tills. It declines the transaction..

The reason is the fixed bank charges of R3.50 for any amount for debit card purchase from till rather then x.x% per amount if you draw from ATM
Does the new card with chip work?

Maybe someone can help me here..
 
Omnia_Fan said:
you build credit history by using a cheque card / cheque account , as far as i know.
Click to expand...

I doubt it, as you need money in your account to do any transactions (unless you have an overdraft). It's not a credit card.
 
passive said:
One thing that I picked up using cheque card (fnb no chip on card) you cant draw money from Pnp or Checkers tills. It declines the transaction..

The reason is the fixed bank charges of R3.50 for any amount for debit card purchase from till rather then x.x% per amount if you draw from ATM
Does the new card with chip work?

Maybe someone can help me here..
Click to expand...

Oh yes I forgot about this, it doesnt work for drawing money from tills, it's a security thing, since you normally don't need a PIN and the card has no limit. Not sure if they changed it on the new machines though
 
Debit vs Cheque

A debit card needs a pin to be used on purchasing of goods & cheque does not (like a CC). You earn almost double the eBucks using a cheque card compared to a debit card.

:)
 
D3x said:
Debit vs Cheque

A debit card needs a pin to be used on purchasing of goods & cheque does not (like a CC). You earn almost double the eBucks using a cheque card compared to a debit card.

:)
Click to expand...

my cheque card needs a pin, its one of those chipped ones. I am almost certain all new cheque cards have this now
 
tau1z said:
my cheque card needs a pin, its one of those chipped ones. I am almost certain all new cheque cards have this now
Click to expand...

Can you draw from till with your card?

I am due for new card mine is a bit worn, is it just me or does the cards not last as long as it used to?

I almost slapped someone the other day, it looked like she was taking out all her anger out on my card..
 
Yes, all the new cheque cards seem to be chipped.

Is it possible to get any cheque/credit card without a chip? I prefer them without.
 
sXe said:
Yes, all the new cheque cards seem to be chipped.

Is it possible to get any cheque/credit card without a chip? I prefer them without.
Click to expand...

i seriously doubt it.
 
sXe said:
Yes, all the new cheque cards seem to be chipped.

Is it possible to get any cheque/credit card without a chip? I prefer them without.
Click to expand...

FNBs cheque cards don't have a chip (at least mine didn't when I had to get a new one earlier this year).
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
FNBs cheque cards don't have a chip (at least mine didn't when I had to get a new one earlier this year).
Click to expand...

I think they eventually will as well. I was offered a cheque card but declined because of the no pin & no chip issue. I often misplace my card so don't need to make it easier for criminals.

Will stick with the sh*tty looking debit card until they catch up.
 
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