text: i would never provide my routing number & checking account number in an electronic-check method.\n\nmainly because, if the merchandise is not as expected, it's way harder to dispute the purchase.\n\ni would rather use the debit/credit card that usually comes free with a checking account.  as a credit-based transaction, you have to your advantage the ability to file a dispute/fraud and get your money back (it's under visa/mastercard guidelines).\n\nNEVER EVER GIVE YOUR ROUTING & CHECKING ACCOUNT NUMBER UNLESS YOU *ABSOLUTELY TRUST* THE OTHER PARTY.