What is considered risky when using a debit card?

Using a debit card is considered risky primarily because it is directly connected to your bank account. When you make a purchase with a debit card, the funds are immediately withdrawn from your checking account, leaving little to no buffer for unauthorized transactions. This direct link means that if someone gains access to your debit card information, they can easily deplete your account balance. The potential for fraud is considerably higher since the money is immediately accessible, and recovering funds can be more complicated compared to credit cards, where fraudulent charges can be disputed without directly impacting your bank account balance.

Other factors, such as rewards earning, spending limits, or the requirement of a PIN, do not inherently make a debit card risky. In fact, many credit cards offer rewards, and higher spending limits typically pertain to credit cards rather than debit cards. While some debit cards may not require a PIN for transactions, this feature alone isn't what makes them particularly risky compared to the direct access they provide to the underlying bank account.