Debit card tricks

HAMPDEN, Mass. (WWLP) - It's your money and we're watching. 22News reporter Jaclyn Cashman is working for you with tips on saving cash when using your debit card.

In just two more years debit cards are set to overtake cash as our preferred method of paying at the register and last year we used our debit cards more than credit cards for the first time.

With more people swiping their debit card over using cash 22News is working for you so you know about how to pay less for debit.

First, know that how much you pay to use your debit card depends on your bank. Some have started charging as much as $1 every time you use your PIN, which can get expensive if you are using the card to buy your morning coffee and everyday purchases like Gordan Clark of Hampden. "I am not spending money I don't have because you have to have the money in the debit card to back it up."

It's also common to charge as much as $29 or more every time you overdraw your account, even several times in one day.

We met one card holder that got hit with the fee.

Tarren Soukop of Chesterfield said, "I was actually getting gas and I was only one dollar over but they took out thirty from that."

Also, with the CARD Act going into effect Monday, regulating credit cards and banks are looking to make up for lost revenue by adding fees to debit cards.

So, if you use your debit, should you sign or use your PIN? Check your debit agreement and see which not only costs you less, but also will protect you more from fraud.

But if you don't know what your debit card agreement says your next bet is still to pay in cash.