debit card

American  

noun

1. a plastic card that resembles a credit card but functions like a check and through which payments for purchases or services are made electronically to the bank accounts of participating retailing establishments directly from those of card holders.

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debit card British  

noun

1. an embossed plastic card issued by a bank or building society to enable its customers to pay for goods or services by inserting it into a computer-controlled device at the place of sale, which is connected through the telephone network to the bank or building society. It may also function as a cash card, a cheque card, or both

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Etymology

Origin of debit card

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The downside of this feature, Sutter said, is a signal is constantly being emitted from the key fob, similar to a debit card.

From Los Angeles Times

Those incumbent advantages allow major players to charge around 7% in interchange fees for restaurants accepting their meal cards, compared to an average 2% for credit cards and less than 1% for debit cards.

From Reuters

Nearly 90% of Marylanders use credit or debit cards to purchase gasoline, according to testimony by the American Automobile Association’s mid-Atlantic branch in favor of an earlier proposal.

From Washington Times

Johnson called the number on the back of his client's debit card to see how much money was left on it before they went out to run errands.

From Salon

That $5.99 shipping fee is bait to get you to provide your credit or debit card information.

From Washington Post