wren
12-11-14, 9:31pm
The Credit Unions here in Canada offer a new form of MasterCard which works online, by phone, or anywhere else, (except Paypal, apparently). It's for people who don't want to borrow and go in debt. It is linked to your chequing account, and transactions can only be processed if the funds are already in your account. So you're only spending what you already have. The card has a chip, a PIN number, a 3-digit code # on the back, and a Secure-Code password (this last item is for some online sites).
I've had one of these cards for two years, and am happy with it. It has allowed me access to some things only available online, since I have never owned a regular CC. I am mindful that a CC transaction costs the merchant more than one using a debit card, so I only use it where a debit card won't work. (Note: I have the impression that the name 'debit card' has a different meaning in the US. In Canada, debit cards are linked to our bank account, have a PIN#, and work at an ATM and Interac. Sometimes there are transaction fees, depending on the type of account you have. Debit is used a LOT here.
I'm posting about this because I know there are other Canadians on these forums. And perhaps there are Credit Unions in the US that have this product available. Here is a link with the information. (Sorry I don't know how to embed links into posts any other way).
https://www.cua.com/Home/ProductsAndServices/YourMoney/CreditCards/GlobalPayment/GlobalPaymentMastercard/
I've had one of these cards for two years, and am happy with it. It has allowed me access to some things only available online, since I have never owned a regular CC. I am mindful that a CC transaction costs the merchant more than one using a debit card, so I only use it where a debit card won't work. (Note: I have the impression that the name 'debit card' has a different meaning in the US. In Canada, debit cards are linked to our bank account, have a PIN#, and work at an ATM and Interac. Sometimes there are transaction fees, depending on the type of account you have. Debit is used a LOT here.
I'm posting about this because I know there are other Canadians on these forums. And perhaps there are Credit Unions in the US that have this product available. Here is a link with the information. (Sorry I don't know how to embed links into posts any other way).
https://www.cua.com/Home/ProductsAndServices/YourMoney/CreditCards/GlobalPayment/GlobalPaymentMastercard/