A debit card is a key to money already in your bank account. When you make a payment, the merchant connects directly to your account and deducts the payment amount almost instantly. You can use it to pay in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs. Unlike a credit one, it doesn’t let you borrow — you’re just using your money.
A debit card is a key to money already in your bank account. When you make a payment, the merchant connects directly to your account and deducts the payment amount almost instantly. You can use it to pay in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs. Unlike a credit one, it doesn’t let you borrow — you’re just using your money.
When you use a debit card, your bank checks to see if you have enough money in your account. If yes, the payment goes through, and the balance is updated right away. Some payments require a PIN, contactless tap, or app confirmation. For online payments, you’ll also be asked to confirm the purchase for security.
Debit cards can be used in a few different ways depending on where, how to pay with card and what card details to give for payment.
When paying online, you enter the long number on the front, the expiry date, and the CVV code on the back. These details help the payment go through securely. Some websites ask you to confirm the purchase through your banking app or with a one-time password.
You can insert, swipe, or tap it at a shop or terminal. Contactless payments are usually faster and don’t require a PIN if the amount is small. For bigger purchases or when contactless isn’t available, the terminal will ask for your PIN.
A debit card lets you spend money from your bank account. A credit one lets you borrow money up to a set limit from the bank. The money leaves your account immediately when you pay with debit. With credit, you pay later—either in full or over time with interest.
Credit cards are often used to build credit history or manage large purchases. But you'll owe interest if you don’t pay the full balance on time. Debit ones don’t charge interest because you’re using your own money. Debit cards help you avoid debt and stay on budget. Credit ones offer more flexibility but come with the risk of overspending.
A debit card has a 16-digit number that identifies it. You’ll also find an expiry date and a CVV code, usually three digits on the back. These are used for online purchases. It may also have your name, the bank’s logo, and sometimes contactless or mobile payment symbols.
It’s important to keep this information private. Anyone with your debit card details can try using them for online transactions, so your bank may ask for extra steps like app approval or Face ID to confirm payments.
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