These card were originally marketed as allowing online transactions without using a credit card. 

At first, they worked for pretty much everything. It was a great way to have the online convenience of VISA without actually borrowing any money. 

Then in the US....a year or so ago....someone realised this mode of use was cutting into the usual charges and fees related to credit cards and they started either charging additional fees or refusing the transactions. 

Looks like the same thing is happening here in NZ, too. At first I could use the debit VISA to buy pizza at Dominoes....but not any more. That was the first sign of trouble. Now I find that almost every attempt to use my debit VISA online is "declined" by my bank....but if I use my credit card....hey! It works. No problem.

The problem can't be the account balance. There is more than enough funds to cover my transactions....with loads (and loads) left over. 

So I ask myself...why have a debit VISA at all if the banks are now no longer allowing me to use it like a VISA?

I may as well go back to an ordinary ATM card.