FatFreeGoodness

I still use checks. Debit cards are LESS secure than checks.
If I allow a company to electronically debit my account and they take too much, there is no legal requirement that the bank reverse the transaction, and the taking is not automatically criminal. Example: I have my car detailed, and intend to pay $40. The shop deducts $70, with a reasonable explanation. It’s up to me to straighten this out with the shop, not the bank.
With a paper check there are laws that require that I be kept harmless, and it is criminal fraud if the amount differs from the amount on the check even if the recipient disagrees about what SHOULD have been on the check.
If I present a check and they convert it to an electronic transaction, it still legally counts as a check.
I agree this is a fault in the banking laws, but nonetheless is sufficient reason to avoid debit cards.

Don’t even get me started on automatic withdrawals. I don’t have a problem with electronic transfer, where it’s an active sending from your account to theirs, as distinct from them pulling it out.

Credit cards are better than debit cards, maybe even checks, as there are legal barriers to protect you in case of fraud. There is $50 exposure, but on the other hand you get to dispute payment for unsatisfactory goods and services, which you can’t do with a check.

A debit card is easy, but offers no benefits over a credit card and is the most risky of all the ways to pay, save carrying huge amounts of cash. Checks are a pain but fairly safe. (IE: can be stolen, but you have no risk even then.) Credit cards are easy, low risk, and significant benefits.

Gal: "How can fraud with direct debit be so widespread? A company that use direct debit will surely loose its privileges if they try to scam people."
Two words: America Online.
How many times did they direct debit accouts after being told to stop? I know it was millions.
"I'm also able to stop the [direct debit] bills manually, since they're visible online 15-20 days before they take effect."
No, not true. You can see when they are scheduled to take effect. There is nothing other than honesty in preventing the person or company authorized to withdraw from you account from cleaning you out without a moments notice. You can go after them in court via civil suit, but it is not criminal since you gave them permission to deduct... what you will dispute is how much they deducted.

I still use checks. Debit cards are LESS secure than checks.
If I allow a company to electronically debit my account and they take too much, there is no legal requirement that the bank reverse the transaction, and the taking is not automatically criminal. Example: I have my car detailed, and intend to pay $40. The shop deducts $70, with a reasonable explanation. It’s up to me to straighten this out with the shop, not the bank.
With a paper check there are laws that require that I be kept harmless, and it is criminal fraud if the amount differs from the amount on the check even if the recipient disagrees about what SHOULD have been on the check.
If I present a check and they convert it to an electronic transaction, it still legally counts as a check.
I agree this is a fault in the banking laws, but nonetheless is sufficient reason to avoid debit cards.

Don’t even get me started on automatic withdrawals. I don’t have a problem with electronic transfer, where it’s an active sending from your account to theirs, as distinct from them pulling it out.

Credit cards are better than debit cards, maybe even checks, as there are legal barriers to protect you in case of fraud. There is $50 exposure, but on the other hand you get to dispute payment for unsatisfactory goods and services, which you can’t do with a check.

A debit card is easy, but offers no benefits over a credit card and is the most risky of all the ways to pay, save carrying huge amounts of cash. Checks are a pain but fairly safe. (IE: can be stolen, but you have no risk even then.) Credit cards are easy, low risk, and significant benefits.

gal: “How can fraud with direct debit be so widespread? A company that use direct debit will surely loose its privileges if they try to scam people.”
Two words: America Online.
They did it millions of times over many years.

gal: "Erroneous chargers is another thing, but ... I'm also able to stop the bills manually, since they're visible online 15-20 days before they take effect."
Again, not so if this is automatic debit where the recipients have permission to initiate the transaction. The only thing stopping them from cleaning out your account is their honesty. But the most common problem they deduct an amount you think is too high but they say is correct. The bank says “Hey, you gave them permission to deduct. It’s between you two.” And it’s away to small claims court with the dispute… if you choose to. Don’t expect to win unless you have proof.