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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of debit card

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Despite higher prices at the pump last month, Bank of America finds that credit and debit card spending per household increased by 0.9% on the month, and 4.3% year over year, in March.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

The plaintiff alleged that some receipts printed in 2019 included 10-digit credit or debit card numbers —double what’s allowed under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Gas accounted for about 6% of total debit card spend and about 4% of total credit card spend before the war in Iran began, according to Scharf.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

He did use a fake name for the sender's details - to avoid spam, he claims - but stresses that he paid with his own debit card.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

I pull out my debit card and wave it at him.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson