You just want to go the store, shop for your groceries’, pay for them and go home! The first question we always get the minute we get to the cashier is: “Paper or Plastic?” The best answer: whichever one is best for the environment!

Then, you tell the cashier you’re paying with your Visa Check Card (debit card) he then asks, “DEBIT or CREDIT?” Ever wonder why you’re asked this question? The merchant is simply asking how you would like the transaction to be processed.

No matter how you respond – “DEBIT” or “CREDIT”, the purchase will deduct from your checking account. In other words, if you say “CREDIT,” the purchase will NOT be billed to a credit card.

What is the difference?

DEBIT

ü      Processed through ATM NETWORK.

ü      You can get cash back from your available checking account balance up to the merchant’s limit. You will then see the cash back amount added to the total purchase price to get the grand total for the transaction.

ü      You must use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the sale.

CREDIT

ü      Processed through VISA NETWORK.

ü      You must sign to authorize the sale.

Visa transactions are more efficient and less costly than ATM transactions. You can help save the Credit Union money by choosing CREDIT instead of debit.

As financial cooperative, any cost savings we experience are returned to you – our member – in the form of lower loan rates, higher dividend rates and new and improved products and services.

If you don’t need to get cash back – choose CREDIT.