Dear Curious:

I did stop at my bank the other day and apply for their Check Card, which is called a Debit Card by other banks, I think. It works the same as a paper check, and has the required logo on the back of the plastic card, in this case, VISA. It is swiped thorugh the store machine just like a Credit Card is. (I know that this service costs the stores fees.)

The only reason I wanted a debit card is that one grocery store I want to shop in only takes cash or debit cards. I don't like to stop at the bank for cash each time I shop for groceries, because it is time and energy consuming - and also, I don't like to carry large amounts of cash in our big city.

I have a Credit Card from the same bank, which is also VISA, mainly for convenience at other grocery stores, and in particular, the gas station, where I can use the automatic self service pumps any time of day or night.

I pay all Credit Card charges at the end of each billing period and so do not pay interest charges! For me, these cards are a convenience.

Shirley H.