Compared to an ordinary wallet, one has to learn how to deal with “the plastic,” to make sure that nothing unpleasant happens. For example, it becomes a surprise for many people, when, for example, they find out that they are missing, let’s say, $100 from their bank account every year. The bank takes this money as a payment for its services. That is why, before you open a bank account, find out how much it is going to cost you. In addition, every time you withdraw money from your account using an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you will be charged for that.

Normally, the rate is 2 percent, but not less than $3. In other words, if you withdraw 100 rubles, almost the same amount (87 rubles in accordance with the present dollar exchange rate) will be charged for performing this transaction. So, it makes no sense to withdraw small amounts of money. Anyway, before you do withdraw something, make sure you remember your PIN code.

If you simply scratch or write the number with a marker on your plastic card, where your signature shall be, you will have to blame yourselves if you loose the card. Even your bank does not know your PIN code, and it can’t be replaced. In case you loose your plastic card with your PIN code scratched on it, you should call the 24-hour authorization service of the bank immediately to have it blocked and put on a stop-list. But there is still a possibility that you will loose some of your money, and the bank won’t be able to do anything about it.

The second article was devoted to the difference between credit and debit cards. It is a lot more difficult to receive a VISA Classic or MasterCard Mass card, than a VISA Electron or Cirrus/Maestro. The third and the fourth one are debit cards, meaning that you can count on the amount of money you have on your special card account. Credit card holders can spend more money than they actually have. Each bank sets its own limitations in this respect.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Development Bank Vladislav Donyush explained what is the best for consumers: “First of all, you have to look at tariffs. The lower a credit rate is, the better it is.” The official considers a “revolving” type of credit the best payment scheme. This is when it is enough to partially pay off a credit, and continue using it further.