Moving to the United States is a full-blown adventure. From learning a new language to figuring out how to use a debit card and adapting to giant supermarkets, everything can be exciting and, sometimes, a little chaotic. But if there’s one thing that seems simple yet can turn into an unexpected challenge, it’s using a debit card for the first time.
If you’re an immigrant, you’ve probably encountered some of these situations (or know someone who has). Here are the most common mistakes beginners make with debit cards and how to survive them like a true financial pro.
1. Forgetting the PIN at the worst possible moment
Picture this: you’re in the checkout line at the grocery store with a full cart, you swipe your card, and the terminal asks for your PIN. “Easy,” you think… until you realize you don’t remember it. You try to guess: 1234? Your birth year? But after the third failed attempt, the card gets locked, and you feel the impatient stares from the rest of the line.
How to survive it:
Take a deep breath and don’t panic. Make sure to write down your PIN in a safe place (like a password-protected notes app). If you forget it and the card gets locked, contact your bank to unlock it or set a new one.
2. Not understanding bank fees (Ouch!)
It’s easy to swipe your debit card without thinking much about fees… until you check your balance and realize the ATM charged you $3 for every withdrawal. Or worse, your bank charges a monthly fee that no one clearly explained when you opened the account.
How to survive it:
Before using your card, research what fees apply. Some banks charge for withdrawals at ATMs outside their network or for maintaining a low balance. Look for options like MAJORITY, which offers debit cards with no hidden fees and tailored specifically for immigrants.
3. Getting locked out due to "suspicious activity"
Let’s say you decide to send money to your family, pay rent, and make a few big purchases all on the same day. It all seems normal, but suddenly, your card stops working. What happened? The bank flagged the transactions as unusual and blocked your card to "protect" you.
How to survive it:
Although frustrating, this lock is usually a security measure. Notify your bank if you plan to make large or unusual transactions to avoid issues. Also, always keep your bank’s customer service number handy to resolve these cases quickly.
4. Thinking a debit card works the same as a credit card
It’s easy to get confused: “If I have money in my account, why can’t I pay for a hotel or rent a car with my debit card?” Many immigrants don’t know that some businesses or services prefer credit cards, and the lack of one can lead to awkward situations.
How to survive it:
Understand that debit and credit cards have key differences. If you need to make these types of payments, look for specific options for debit or consider combining both types of cards in the future.
5. Not checking your balance regularly (and ending up broke)
Small purchases add up quickly: a coffee here, a quick meal there, and before you know it, your balance is dangerously low. Without realizing it, you end up with a declined transaction at the worst possible moment.
How to survive it:
Use your bank’s app to monitor your transactions and balance frequently. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your account is running low.
Lessons learned and how MAJORITY can help you
We all make mistakes at first, but what matters is learning from them. Using a debit card in the United States is a key tool for managing your finances as an immigrant, but choosing the right one can make all the difference.
With MAJORITY, you can get a debit card without needing a Social Security Number. Plus, you avoid hidden fees and gain access to financial tools that make your life much easier.
Don’t let beginner mistakes hold you back. With a little practice and the right card, you can become a financial master in your new life in the United States. Join MAJORITY today!