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

Izquierdo is correct that the card functions more like a debit card than a credit card.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 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

The latest figures from the industry body UK Finance also show the number of debit card transactions fell by 3.5% in January, while the number of credit card transactions increased by 3.6%.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Porphy took her to get a debit card when she was 15, about a year before she got her first job as a camp counselor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

I wonder if Mom has noticed, by now, that her debit card is missing.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle