Do you know how to debit?

Debit card purchases processed as credit transactions are protected by Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.

No matter how you run your debit card, the funds will be taken out of your Guardian Checking Account that is linked to the card. Even though you are running the card as credit, you are running it through the Visa system to detect fraud. Once that happens, then the money is taken out of your GCU checking account.

If you run a transaction as credit, there are a few things that can happen. It may ask you to enter your zip code that is associated with the card. Otherwise, it may ask you to sign to verify the transaction, which is less common, but can still happen.

If you run a transaction as debit, most card readers will ask you to input a PIN. This is the PIN that is associated with your Guardian Checking Account.

If you choose to run a transaction as credit or verify the purchase using a signature. The money will be deducted from your account in a few days.

If you decide to run a transaction as debit or verify a purchase using your PIN. The money will be deducted from your account almost immediately.

For cashback purchases, PIN must be used.

Purchases using your debit card through a digital wallet process as credit transactions.

When PIN is used and a skimmer is present, the card can be duplicated and used at ATMs and other merchants to fraudulently obtain funds from the member account. Skimmers are on the rise at stores, in addition to gas stations and ATMs. Processing a transaction as credit minimizes this risk.

If you suspect fraud in your GCU account, please report it to us immediately. If fraud is confirmed, your account will be deactivated. This is set up to protect your information and money.