In the early days (1960s/1970s), credit card companies welcomed (perhaps even sponsored? I don't remember) the legislated responsibility for risk because it encouraged the uptake of credit cards.

Nowadays, of course, almost everyone has a card and almost every merchant needs to take them. So the card cartels were able to shift part of the burden onto the merchants, and in particular the smaller ones. But not all of it.

Banks managed to evade most of the credit card rules in debit cards. Debit cards are a MUCH better deal for banks (they don't incur interest -- except for overdraw fees, but they also don't carry ANY of the protections credit cards do).

> Never ever use a debit online. In fact, don't use in person. Debit cards are fine for ATM to get cash, for anything else use CC. (Plus CC gives you 2% cash back if you shop wise, that is huge).

As an alternative: if you can get a credit card at all, just get one. You don't need to worry about "benefits" (cash rebates, miles or whatever, just get one that doesn't charge you an annual fee.

When you buy something online or swipe, send the CC come any a check that same day. There's no rule saying you have to pay them only when you get a bill. If you do this you'll never accrue interest.