A debit card adds both security and convenience to managing your money. But how exactly can you get one? We’ll explain all the details, from how to take advantage of beneficial features to what kind of fees you can expect to pay.
You’ll even learn how to monitor your debit card and keep your finances as secure as possible. Ready to get started?
What is a debit card?
Simply stated, a debit card, sometimes referred to as a bank card, check card, or ATM card, is a method of transferring money from point A to point B. It’s a method of payment used instead of checks or cash when making a purchase or payment through credit card payment networks such as Visa or Mastercard.
While a debit card looks nearly identical to a credit card, it acts more like a check when making purchases. Instead of charging a debt, a debit card instead draws money from your checking account.
Curious about how to get your own debit card? Check out our guide on ‘How to Get a Debit Card‘ for all the details.
How does a debit card work?
Unlike a check, which can take days to be deposited and then transferred from one bank or credit union to another, a debit card works instantaneously. Debit cards may also be used by mobile payment apps such as Square, PayPal Here, or other credit card readers.
Unlike the typical POS equipment found in larger retailers, these mobile payment devices are typically used by smaller businesses. They are attached to cell phones or other mobile devices through their headphone jack.
Other services like Apple Pay are attempting to eliminate the need for a card at all, allowing you to just tap your phone to initiate the transaction.
While debit cards are primarily designed to eliminate the need for you to carry cash, they were initially designed for you to be able to withdraw cash from checking accounts easily. Before the invention of automated teller machines (ATMs), a customer had to wait until a bank opened before removing cash from their bank account.
With the advent of the ATM, customers were no longer beholden to bank hours. With the swipe of a card and a four-digit code, customers could now withdraw and deposit money at any time of day or night.
Types of Debit Cards
There are several types of debit cards, including:
- Traditional debit cards: These cards are linked to your checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, and allow you to make purchases or withdraw cash from your account using your PIN.
- Prepaid debit cards: Prepaid debit cards are not linked to a bank account and are loaded with a set amount of money. They can be used to make purchases or ATM withdrawals, but you cannot spend more than the balance on the card.
- Check cards: These cards look like credit cards, but they are linked to your checking account and operate like traditional debit cards. You can use them to spend money, but you must have sufficient funds in your account to cover the transaction.
- Virtual debit cards: These cards are not physical cards, but rather a digital version that can be used for online purchases. They are linked to your checking or savings account and can be used to make secure online transactions.
- Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards: These cards are issued by the government to individuals who receive benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). They can be used to purchase approved items at participating retailers.
- Foreign currency debit cards: These cards are specifically designed for use when traveling abroad. They allow you to make purchases or ATM withdrawals in the local currency, and the funds are automatically deducted from your account in your home currency.
Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards
Debit cards and credit cards are both types of payment cards that can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash. However, they differ in how they work and the way they affect your finances.
Funding source: A debit card is linked to a checking or savings account at a financial institution, while a credit card is issued by a credit card company and allows you to borrow money.
Spending limits: Debit cards typically don’t have a spending limit. You’re only limited by how much you have in your bank account. With credit cards, the credit card issuer generally sets a credit limit.
Interest and fees: Credit cards charge interest on unpaid balances, and may also charge annual fees, balance transfer fees, and other fees. Debit cards do not charge interest. However, some banks may charge fees for certain types of transactions, such as using an out-of-network ATM or making international transactions.
Purchases and withdrawals: When you use a debit card to make a purchase, you’re purchasing with your own money. When you use it to withdraw cash, you’re taking out your own money. With a credit card, when you make a purchase, you’re essentially borrowing money from the bank. And when you use it at an ATM, you’re taking out a cash advance from the bank.
Monthly bills: With a debit card, there are no monthly bills as the money is coming out of your checking account. With credit cards, you will receive a bill that you must make a minimum monthly payment on.
Credit score: Using a credit card responsibly, such as paying your balance on time and not exceeding your credit limit, can help improve your credit score. Debit cards do not affect your credit history or credit score because they do not involve borrowing money.
Fraud protection: Credit cards often offer more comprehensive fraud protection than debit cards. You are not liable for unauthorized charges made on your credit card as long as you report them in a timely manner. With a debit card, unauthorized charges can be more difficult to resolve, as the funds for the purchase have already been transferred from your bank account.
See also: Credit Card vs. Debit Card: What’s the Difference?
What fees are associated with debit cards?
While most debit cards are free from your bank or credit union when you open a checking account, there are fees associated with your card. The main fee you’ll likely encounter is the ATM fee.
ATM Fees
If you are using an ATM outside your bank’s network, you’ll likely be charged up to $3 per transaction to withdraw money from their ATM.
These can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to use a bank with a large enough ATM network to serve your needs. The fees are static, so whether you withdraw $20 or $200, the amount charged will be the same.
Transaction Fees
You may be charged a small fee if you use your debit card with a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN), instead of your signature, for credit and debit transactions.
Replacement Card Fees
Your bank may also charge you a replacement fee if your debit card is lost or stolen. It’s a one-time fee to replace your card and is usually only charged in these instances. If your debit card has expired, your bank typically issues a new card and will likely not charge you a replacement fee.
Overdraft or Insufficient Fund Fees
These fees are charged by your bank if you have spent more money than is actually in your bank account. If you overdraw your checking account, the bank may honor the payment instead of denying the transaction.
If you have overdraft protection, the bank will automatically move money from another account, such as a savings account, into your checking account to cover the costs.
If you do not have overdraft protection and the bank honors the payment, you’ll have a negative balance, and your bank will charge you a fee. The amount is typically between $30 to $35 and will be owed to the bank in addition to the negative balance due to a purchase.
What if your debit card is lost or stolen?
Banks offer certain protections against the misuse of stolen debit cards, but it’s crucial that you act quickly. Call your bank to have your debit card deactivated or frozen as soon as you realize it’s missing.
The longer you wait, the more you’re personally liable for charges incurred on your debit card. If you report a card missing or stolen before any fraud occurs, you are not responsible for any amount charged to your checking account.
If you report it within two business days of it being stolen and misused, you’re only held liable for up to $50 in charges. Report it within 60 days, and that number jumps to $500. If you wait 60 days or more to report your debit card missing or stolen, you are legally liable for all deductions from your checking account.
How do you make online purchases with a debit card?
Purchases using your debit card aren’t just limited to a physical storefront. Making debit card purchases online can save you time and money, eliminating long lines and other headaches.
If you’re purchasing an item from a company that does not have a physical presence in your state, it’s likely that you don’t have to pay sales tax. It’s also easy to search for who has the item in inventory, who has the best price, and the fastest shipping.
But while purchasing items online can make shopping much easier, it can also make fraud much easier as well. Luckily, banks take precautions to ensure your safety here, too.
CVV Codes
Because the retailer cannot physically see the debit or credit card, card processors add an extra layer of protection with a CVV code. In addition to asking for your card number and expiration date, online sales forms also request your CVV code.
With a MasterCard or Visa, this three-digit code can be found on the back of your debit or credit card. As for American Express, it is a four-digit code found on the front of the card. The additional request of this code helps establish your identity and reduce fraud, especially when a card is not physically present.
Setting Up Automatic Payments with a Debit Card
With a recurring payment, sometimes called autopay, the cardholder authorizes periodic charges to their debit card, which are taken from the cardholder’s checking account. This recurring payment can be variable, such as monthly payments to utility companies for gas or electric.
They can also be static, like a monthly Netflix or Spotify subscription. Recurring payments can be a simple way to ensure you pay your bills on time each month. They help you avoid late fees if you’re forgetful and free up time for those with a lot on their plate.
That being said, it’s important to keep track of these payments for a few reasons. Staying on top of recurring payments helps you keep track of how much money you have in your bank account, especially if they are variable, like electric bills.
Canceling Automatic Payments
You may find services that you’re paying for but that you no longer use. Autopay is becoming more and more common, especially with streaming video and audio services. Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, and Deezer are just a few examples of streaming services that you may subscribe to.
With all of these options, you may have even forgotten you signed up for some and are paying for a service that you no longer use.
If this is the case, it’s a good idea to call the vendor and ask them to cancel your subscription. If you haven’t been using the service for some time, they may even give you a refund for some of those charges. After all, it never hurts to ask.
If you have requested a vendor to cease charging you, and they refuse, you can then go to your bank and ask them to reject the charges. You have 60 days to dispute it with your bank, so it’s best to stay on top of your statements and keep an eye out for any anomalies.
What is a prepaid debit card?
While most debit cards are connected to checking accounts, there is also another kind called a prepaid debit card. Typically issued by Visa or Mastercard, these debit cards are sometimes referred to as gift cards. Prepaid debit cards can be purchased at retailers for specific amounts of money and used just like a credit or debit card.
Prepaid debit cards can have some significant downsides. In most cases, a prepaid debit card can be used by anyone who possesses it. If you lose your debit card, or it is stolen, there is little you can do to recoup your money.
Additionally, there are larger fees such as ATM fees and monthly fees. If you are going to use one, it’s a good idea to shop around and read the fine print. There are many options out there with a wide range of terms and conditions.
Bottom Line
Using a debit card instead of cash or checks can be convenient and safe compared to other methods. Still, it’s a good idea to stay watchful. Fraud associated with credit and debit cards is at an all-time high. Banks and financial institutions are fighting back, but ultimately, it’s up to you to use your debit cards wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use a debit card?
Debit cards can be safe to use as long as you take some precautions to protect your personal and financial information. This includes keeping your card secure, using secure websites when shopping online, and monitoring your account activity regularly.
Do debit cards have a credit limit?
No, debit cards do not have a credit limit. You can only spend the amount of money that you have available in your linked bank account.
What is the security code on a debit card?
The security code on a debit card is a three or four-digit number that is used to help verify that the card is being used by the legitimate cardholder. This code is also known as a card verification value (CVV) or card security code (CSC).
The security code is usually located on the back of the card, either in the signature panel or to the right of the signature panel. It is not included in the magnetic stripe on the back of the card, so it cannot be copied by someone who has access to your card information.
The security code is used as an added layer of security when making online or phone purchases. It helps to ensure that the person making the purchase has the physical card in their possession, rather than just the card information. Some merchants may require you to enter the security code as part of the checkout process when making an online purchase.
What is a postal code on a debit card?
In the United States, a postal code, also known as a zip code, consists of five digits. It’s used to identify a specific geographic area in the country.
A postal code is often required when making purchases online or by phone, or at gas station pumps. It’s used to verify your address and help ensure that your card or account information is being used by the correct person.
On a debit card, the postal code is typically the same as the postal code associated with the billing address for the card. This information is usually printed on the front or back of the card. It is not the same as the security code (also known as a card verification value or CSC) that is used for added security when making purchases.
What is a routing number on a debit card?
A routing number is a nine-digit code that is used to identify a specific financial institution in the United States. It is also known as an ABA routing number or routing transit number (RTN).
A routing number is used to direct payments and other financial transactions to the correct bank or credit union. It is typically found on the bottom of a check, along with the account number and check number.
On a debit card, the routing number is typically not displayed. Instead, it is used by the financial institution to process transactions and transfer funds between accounts. If you need to find your routing number, you can usually find it on your bank or credit union’s website, or you can contact them for assistance.
Can I use a debit card to pay bills?
Yes, you can use a debit card to pay bills online or over the phone. Some merchants may also allow you to pay bills in person with a debit card.
Can I use a debit card internationally?
Yes, you can use a debit card internationally, but you may be subject to fees and other charges. Check with your financial institution and understand the terms and conditions of using your debit card abroad before you travel.
