Debit cards are quick and easy to use; just a swipe of the card and a transaction is done within seconds. There is no need to write checks and head to the bank to deposit them. But as convenient as a debit card might be, it can cost more than a pretty penny if not used correctly. To ensure one doesn’t lose their money, here are some common mistakes to avoid while using debit cards. Forgetting to keep an eye on the balance Most debit cards are directly connected to one’s bank account. Unlike credit cards that do not deduct any money from one’s account for every transaction, debit cards do. This is quite different from credit cards, where the monthly bills are paid all at once, and there are limits to the transactions that can be done. Since there are no bills to be paid for debit cards, the limits on the transaction are as much money one has in their account. Many people end up forgetting to check their account balance after every transaction. To avoid this mistake, always keep a close eye on the account balance while swiping the debit card during every transaction. Writing the PIN on the debit card or carrying it in the wallet This may seem quite an obvious mistake, but it is surprising how common it is.