debit card limit

There used to be, pretty much, but afaict no one offers it anymore. I didn't get one when I saw it offered, either it was a different bank or I didn't then see the need.

That is, there used to be what might now be called a virtual card (although if I could think of what it was called years ago, there's a slim chance I could find it again.)

It had its own number and it used the money that was in the original account, but you had to transfer money into it, and that was the maximum that could be spent from it.

From googling what I've found is that some place offer "virtual cards", one-use card numbers, in addition to the original card number. There is no physical card, I think, like I think there was with what I first heard about.. I guess you can get a new one every time, but that doesnt' say anyting about how much can be charged on it. This card has the same features I was looking for except the most important, a dollar limit.

Just thought of this now.... Maybe what you have to do is open a new account with only whatever you would have put in the virtual account, get a debit card for it, and transfer momey in as needed. Especially if you use this account only for shopping, I think this would work.

Yes, limiting the amount in the original account if you use it for paying the phone bill, the electrifc bill, car and health insurance means you have to refill it constantly. Did I write hear about my young friend whos is being scammed, believes he's giving money to a righteus cause, and his parents are afraid he'll use their card number to give away a lot of money. I suggested keeping little money in the account and refilling it, but they raised theobjection at the start of this paragraph.

Also be careful about overdraft protection. If you've enrolled in that, I don't know how much over one is allowed to go. I suppose it's only 50 dollars or so, but if it's 20,000, it wouldn't do one much good.

I can put a hold on the card but see no way to put a limit.

I'd never use a debit card for an on-line transaction. You do have some protection but still risk.

Which is why i have a checking account separate from our main that I use for online transactions . It never has more than needed for anticipated transactions . If I need to for an unanticipated transaction I transfer from the main account .

Get a second debit card, and use that one. Feed money into it from your main debit card when needed. Use your best judgment as to when to use either.

What's wrong with a "pre-paid credit card"?

I've had 2 pre-paid Visa cards in recent years - I was quite happy using them for online shopping - - no fees at all except for the initial $ 5. activation. Both of them went obsolete ! .. not sure why. Probably not enough profit for the company ? I'm now searching for a replacement - my most recent one expires in August .. :-( Alternatively I can go back to using my low-limit Visa card - I've kept it at $ 500. over many years. John T.

Good idea. Only that the fee is pretty high. You probably can but I don't know if you can see all your charges online. Or get statements in the mail (although I don't do that anyhow.)

1. You can borrow against yourself in a bank. Meaning to take out a loan and pay yourself back interest. It is a real loan so you will have to pay yourself or will get fined. Keep fire on your tail.

2. You can get cash advance cards. Meaning you load the card with money. However some of these will steal money from you ( by charging you a fee for not using the account ), and draining your leftover funds. Even so you can still load money, but to avoid this $#$#@, you have to keep a certain amount loaded within the account you make

1. You can make a gift card at a bank, or even purchase multiple gift cards or preloaded cards at stores. These are the cards the scammers want you to use.

2. When you get your tax return some tax sites will offer a debit card loaded with money, you can continue to load like the above mention but does not charge a fee ( but this could change ).

As a way of protecting your money, yes you can load money on to the methods I just mentioned. Be aware these things possibly expire, and might be a hassle getting your money back ( like with money-orders ).

This is a response to the post seen at:

Just an example - link below - Canadian BMO Pre-Paid MasterCard

It has some purchase protection / warranty benefits but read the small print for that stuff ..