Don't the guys behind the counter know anything?

We were just in Brooklyn Industries clothing shop. Though we don't really care for their "near-hip" apparel, our girlfriend bought a skirt.

The cashier asked "debit or credit?" We then got into a little discussion about the difference between debit and credit.

Counter lad said that credit is cheaper than debit for the customer as merchants will sometimes require a transaction fee just like an ATM.

He added that he learned this because he was watching a consumer news bit on TV.

Being the consumer nimnoork we are, we said a further distinction between credit and debit was that debit card purchases were insured up to $50. We also mentioned the power of chargebacks.

He was like, "Oh, I didn't know that. Learn something new every day."

We just thought it was a little silly. The cashier only knew anything because he happened to catch a TV program.

As a consumer, make sure you know the difference. The guy manning the card swiper may not have a clue.

(He did hand us an online coupon. Enter code: Watertower06 to save 10% at Brooklyn Industries store)