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

Customers who purchased items with a credit or debit card from March to July in 2019 might be eligible for a payment as part of the settlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Data from Bank of America, published Monday, showed a 4.3% increase in credit and debit card spending last month, marking the biggest gain in nearly three years.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

Frequent flyers who hold a United Airlines co-branded credit or debit card can soon earn up to twice as many miles as noncardholders, effectively rewarding the airline’s biggest spenders.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

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

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson