Your account number is the primary number that identifies your money on deposit with a bank. Your debit card number is different, and for good reason. Think of your debit card number as a channel that connects businesses or merchants with Visa, and then with your funds at the bank. Debit card numbers are easy to change, we simply close one door (or number) and open another to your funds. Knowing the difference between these numbers, and where or how to best use them, can help limit fraud or unwanted access to your accounts.
Here is a tip: Use your account number for a few important transactions such as your payroll direct deposit or for automatic payment of your mortgage or car loan. Use your debit card number when paying smaller, more frequent expenses, such as bills or purchases online. This creates another layer of protection between your money and a potential fraudster. This also creates a much easier and safer path to recover from fraud should it happen. When you pay bills with a debit card online, and that card is compromised, your bank can simply issue you a new card. If your account number is compromised, you will need to open all new accounts, which means reestablishing all your automatic payments and deposits. As your bank, we’re happy to help you establish new accounts, but we’d love to save you the time, money and headache those steps can create. This way, you have more time and money to spend on your furry friends.
- Wendy Drake, Branch Manager, Anacortes