5 Awesome Things to Know About Debit Cards

byPriyanka JuyalLast Updated: August 17, 2022
Debit Card

Debit cards have made our lives easier. To complete the transaction, a user only needs to enter the PIN or tap the debit card. Unlike credit cards, there is no need to worry about repaying the amount after a few days.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of a debit card as well as five other appealing aspects of it.

What is a Debit Card?

A debit card (also known as a plastic card, check card, or bank card) is a type of payment card that allows you to make purchases without using cash. A bank issues a debit card and hands it over to the user along with a banking kit that includes a cheque book, passbook, and other banking credentials. A debit card can be used at ATMs as well as for online and offline purchases.

A debit card, unlike a credit card, restricts the user’s ability to spend more than the amount in his or her bank account. A debit card is not the same as an ATM card. ATM cards can only be used to withdraw cash from ATMs, whereas debit cards have additional uses.

Benefits of Debit Cards

Following are the benefits of a debit card-

Accountability

A debit card makes you accountable for all your transactions. Nobody else can use the debit card except the cardholder unless you have voluntarily shared your debit card credentials with the other person. As a result, you are responsible for any transactions made with your debit card online, offline, or at ATMs. If you notice any fraudulent activity or transactions that were not initiated by you, you should contact your bank as soon as possible.

Budget Management

A debit card, though indirectly, aids in budget management. For example, whenever you buy something online or in person, or withdraw money from an ATM, the same transaction value is deducted from your bank account in real-time. After a successful transaction, you will receive an instant notification on your registered mobile number and email address. This notification assists you in determining the difference between the credited value and the remaining balance in the account. The difference in values informs you of how much to spend and how much to save for future events.

Security

Debit cards are considered secure because they can only be used by the cardholder for transactions. If a debit card is lost or misplaced, the cardholder can block it at any time by contacting his or her bank. Furthermore, a security chip has recently been added to debit cards, making them even more secure against online theft or fraudulent activity. However, it remains the cardholder’s responsibility to manage the debit card responsibly.

Easy Access

Obtaining a debit card is a simple and quick process. There is no need to fill out a lot of paperwork. All you need is a bank account, a few documents, and an application form, and the debit card will be delivered to your registered address later, along with the bank’s welcome kit.

Prevention against Theft

A debit card that has been stolen, lost, or misplaced can be blocked by contacting the issuing bank. Even if the PIN or CVV number is known, a blocked debit card cannot be used for any further payment or cash withdrawal. Keeping a regular check on any suspicious activity made with a debit card assists a user in avoiding online/offline thefts.

Reward Points

There are several debit cards that allow you to earn reward points on debit card transactions. These earned or rewarded points can be redeemed by the user for future transactions.

Specifications of a Debit Card

A debit card is not merely a card with some random details, it is carefully curated to define all of the necessary bank and user information. This is how a debit card appears-

Listed below are the specifications of a debit card-

  • Dimensions of a debit card- ISO/IEC 7810#ID-1
  • 16 digit embossed or printed card number
  • Signature strip
  • CVV number
  • Magnetic stripe
  • Bank logo
  • Hologram
  • Card name- VISA, Master, Maestro or others

How Does a Debit Card Work?

A debit card works in 3 ways- offline, online and at ATMs

  • Offline
  1. A merchant enters the user’s product purchase information at the POS
  2. The merchant then swipes the user’s debit card through the card swiping machine
  3. Following that, the user must enter the PIN to confirm the transaction
  4. The merchant receives the payment after successful verification, and an instant notification is sent to the user
  • Online
  1. A user must enter the card holder’s name, the 16-digit debit card number, the CVV number, and the card’s expiry date for any online transaction (The user can choose to save these card details for future transactions)
  2. Following that, an OTP will be sent to the user’s registered mobile phone number
  3. To complete the transaction, the user must enter the PIN after entering the OTP
  • ATMs
  1. To perform a debit card transaction (cash withdrawal only) at an ATM, the user must first insert the debit card into the ATM machine
  2. Following that, the user must select the type of account, enter the total amount to be withdrawn, and enter the PIN number
  3. Once done, the cash can be collected from the ATM machine

How to Get a Debit Card?

Obtaining a debit card is a simple procedure, as detailed below-

  • Compare banks – Compare a list of banks and choose the one with which you want to open an account
  • Open bank account – Once you’ve decided on the type of account, open a new bank account with the chosen bank (It should be noted that the preceding two steps are only required when opening a new bank account. If you already have a bank account, you can apply for a debit card from the same bank)
  • Request a debit card– As soon as your bank account is opened, you can request a debit card, which will be mailed to you along with the bank’s welcome kit
  • Activate debit card – Finally, you must activate your debit card by phone, online, or at an ATM before you can begin using it

Note– If you do not have a bank account, you can apply for a prepaid debit card; however, you may be subject to additional fees for using the card.

Things to Consider When Using a Debit Card

Here are a few things to remember whenever you use a debit card:

  • Keep your PIN private
  • Make certain that you only use secure platforms for online payments.
  • Be cautious when making a payment at a POS
  • Maintain the habit of checking your account information and balance on a regular basis. Examine where and how you’re putting your money. If you discover any unauthorised transactions, notify the bank as soon as possible
  • Do not handle your card haphazardly. It should not be exposed to sharp objects, dirt, or magnetic objects
  • Change your ATM pin number on a regular basis
  • Properly dispose of your old debit cards if they are no longer in use
  • Register for transactions alerts
FAQs
What is the difference between credit cards and debit cards?
A credit card allows users to purchase items today and pay the same amount later, whereas a debit card uses the balance in one’s account.
What to do if the debit card gets stolen?
Connect with your bank right away and block your debit card as soon as possible.
What is an alternative to debit cards?
Instead of using a debit card, one can use a credit card. A credit card can even help you build a good credit score if used responsibly and with full accountability.
What is a debit card PIN?
A debit card PIN, also known as a Personal Identification Number, is a four-digit unique code that is provided to the user as a debit card security feature. It is required in order to complete any debit card transaction.

Priyanka Juyal- a Writer with a curious mind & vision to create the best out of words. Other times, see her playing the guitar, sketching or narrating folk tales!

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