Americans think debit cards are as safe or safer than credit cards. Does this surprise you?  It should!

• The opposite is actually true; credit cards are safer than debit cards

• You are typically only liable for the first $50 in fraudulent charges with a debit card if you notify the bank within two days; it then can jump to $500 or higher

• Debit card issuing banks may need to investigate first, tying up your funds for indefinitely and causing other problems such as bounced checks and limited or no access to your cash

• Credit cards limit your liability to $50 for any fraudulent use

• Credit cards that are compromised typically issue a credit to your account right away so you have the funds available to you quickly as well as immediately issue you a new credit card

The bottom line: use credit cards for purchases, especially online.  You can pay the balance off each month, plus have the peace of mind knowing that you are being as safe as possible.