debit card

American  

noun

debit cards plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• debit cards
  plural

Etymology

Origin of debit card

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

For these purchases, “customers typically use our Pay in Full product, which lets people pay at checkout straight from their debit card or bank account,” Klarna spokesperson Clare Nordstrom said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Similarly, spending was up 4.8% year over year, according to Bank of America’s credit and debit card data.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

In Saturday's statement, the airline said it would automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card to the original form of payment.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Spirit said it would automatically process refunds for flights purchased through its channels with a credit or debit card.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

They were only interested in his debit card.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty