WASHINGTON – If you use a card to pay for groceries or other goods, chances are the cashier has asked if you’d prefer to pay with a debit or credit card.

The recent data breaches at Target and other major retailers has some customers thinking twice before answering the credit or debit question.

Financial experts say to use credit, because those cards aren’t tied directly to your bank account. A bank can usually reverse fraudulent charges on a credit card within 24 hours; with a debit card it can take as long as two weeks.

In addition, if you are a victim of identity theft, you are more likely to get your money back if you choose credit at checkout.

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