I demanded my bank issue me a debit card expressly not enabled as a credit card. The problem with so called "check cards" is that they can be used to make credit card style transactions without requiring a PIN entry, as well as debit-style transactions, which are protected by PIN entry. However, in either case, the funds come straight out of your checking account!
I've got more credit cards than I ever use, and the last thing I need is someone stealing my debit card and charging up a storm. That's a lot harder if it can only be used in debit mode (PIN required).
With a credit card, if there's a problem, the credit card company has to sue you. With a check card, you have to sue the bank. Plus, with a credit card, you get several weeks of interest-free float, as well as rewards points. And, if I'm away from home, I can use either type of card to get emergency cash.
Depending on the issuer, you might not be liable for a dime if your card is stolen. I'd much a thief use my stolen check card as a visa.
I saw how that can happen. The other day at Albertson's a person in line in front of me could not enter the correct PIN for a debit card transaction. After three tries the cashier volunteered that the person should rescan the card and select credit instead of debit. Cashier then had the customer sign the charge slip and that was that. Never handled the card or checked the signature. Not A Good Thing.