debit card

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.

debit card

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of debit card¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

At the high-end food retailer, gift cards are a year-round business—kind of like a pre-paid debit card for expensive groceries.

From The Daily Beast

“You know, the Approved Card, on the surface, is a prepaid debit card,” she said at the time.

From The Daily Beast

He gave members of the militia his credit- and debit-card numbers so they could continue stockpiling, this time illegally.

From The Daily Beast

If you had the choice, would you rather use your debit card or your smartphone to access your account at an ATM?

From The Daily Beast

Generally speaking, to buy stuff online, you need to have a bank account, a debit card, and credit cards.

From The Daily Beast