I never *ever* used "debit". If I could have the functionality removed from my card I would, but my bank tells me it's not possible. I always use the "credit" option. Not because I'm delusional and thinking the money won't come out of my bank account, but because transactions that are debit type are not governed by the same rules as credit cards. Your bank *has* to follow Visa/Mastercard's rules if the transaction is done as "credit". If the transaction is done as "debit", any issues about the transaction is governed by the bank's rules. I'd rather have Visa governing my transactions than my local bank, Visa has more to lose via public outcry. I can initiate a charge back on *any* transaction I do, some/most banks won't let you even try to contest a debit charge unless you can prove it's due to theft / loss of PIN.

I'm also overly paranoid of swiping devices, I always try to see if I can pull the device off the reader (to see if someone has added something to a device to skim the mag stripe) But hey, you gotta watch out for yourself. Retailers don't give a shit.