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

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

Kelly came to prefer the debit card, which she still leans more heavily on today.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The company is offering more cash back, depending on the driver’s tier, for drivers who use a Lyft Direct business debit card to pay for gas at eligible gas stations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 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