Quote Originally Posted by ggiese View Post
Visa is just the "conduit" for the transactions on behalf of the bank. Any policies around reimbursing losses are actually tied to the bank itself, not Visa. While it seems the reversal of charges is "automatic", in reality it's not as automatic as it might seem. In the past, many banks would "write off" the charges. Not so much any more. And the retailers were most often willing to "write off" their losses when the banks kicked it back to them. Not so much any more. Increasingly both banks and retailers are pushing back on writing off bad charges. If there able to establish ANY connection to what the customer is doing to the loss of the credit card data - the bank/retailer is going to place the blame squarely on the customer. Think of it this way - if you leave your car keys in the ignition of your car unattended - would GM willingly reimburse you for the theft of your vehicle? ...or the insurance company?

If you KNOW (or "should have known") the credit card transaction was going to be risky - the bank is likely going to hold you responsible for the charges. The ONLY thing that might save you is a long tenured relationship with the bank because they may not want to lose your business. But - be forewarned - they may likely not want to accomodate you more than once or twice....
So, Maybe I should open a small Visa Credit card account?
I have tried very hard not to use credit cards. I carry an American Express that I only use when we are oversea's on vacation. My day to day transacton are conducted via Visa/debit. I thought I was being fiscally responsible by not racking up CC debt. I could only spend what was in my checking account. I made a point of tossing every pre-approved card offer that came to me away in the fire-place.