Why You Should Avoid Buying Airline Tickets With A Debit Card

While there are many flight booking myths to know before planning your next trip, there are also some helpful tips to keep in mind. A flight can be a significant purchase and costs a pretty penny depending on your destination, so it's always great when you are able to find great deals on flights. Debit cards are convenient for everyday purchases, however when booking airline tickets, you'll want to avoid using a debit card if you want extra assurance on your purchase.

Now you may be wondering why you shouldn't use your debit card to book a flight online if you have the available funds, since it's directly linked to your bank account. When booking anything online with a debit card, your bank doesn't offer protection against purchases. By comparison, a credit card provides protection in case the airline goes bankrupt, your flight gets cancelled, or other issues that may arise before your travel date.

Coming from experience, during the beginning of COVID-19, my flight to Poland was canceled and I was told my refund would take more than six weeks. In those six weeks, I would be paying interest on the purchase of the flight that never happened. I then decided to call Visa and dispute that charge. Fortunately, because the booking was made with a credit card, Visa refunded me in full within 72 hours.

It may seem like the smart choice to use your debit card for purchasing items like airline tickets, because if you have the money on hand, why not? Well, using a credit card to make your purchase isn't just beneficial because you have a few weeks to pay it off; you are literally protecting your money. While spending your money in real time with your debit card is actually a great way to stick to a budget, since you know exactly how much money is coming out of your account, it could spell trouble if things go awry with your plans.

Spirit Airlines has been in some financial trouble recently, and using a debit card to pay for a ticket on an airline with some flighty finances can be risky. To avoid headaches before your plane is off the ground, save the debit card for ATM usage instead and reach for a credit card when booking your flight. Clark Howard recently published a blog post sharing a podcast listener's story about how they were offered a cheaper tour if they paid by check. Now, what may seem like a bargain at the time can bite you later. If the airline company (or tour company) goes out of business, you have zero consumer rights or payment protection at that point.

Booking any travel related-purchase with a credit card is a surefire way to know you will be covered if your airline goes out of business or cancels your flight. Not only are flight purchases more stable in case of cancelations, but even small items, such as SIM cards, can be covered as well. When I was in the Czech Republic, I attempted to purchase two SIM cards from a machine. Both times, it took the money from my credit card but did not spit out the SIM card. When I returned home, I opened a claim with my bank by explaining the issue and providing dates, times, the airport locations, and the total cost. Within two weeks, my money was put back on my credit card with no issues.

Beyond the added cushion for security and fraudulent charges handled more swiftly, there are a multitude of benefits for credit card users. Savvy travelers know that collecting points for their next trip can offset big spending and earn a ton of great loyalty rewards. Collect a certain amount of credit card points, and you might even be able to fly to Bali first class. Pretty sweet deal if you ask us!

Currently the Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to end certain passenger protection rules, leaving travelers outraged and helpless. Airlines want to scrape automatic refunds for those that have schedules changed or flights canceled, and table the rule that all costs for baggage and seat selection should be upfront. In a time where sneaky rule changes could cost you time and money, it's more important now than ever to never use your debit card when booking anything travel-related.