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

"It's very easy to just give them your debit card and pay it and worry about the cost later, if I've got a gift card I know I can't go over that amount," she says.

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

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

Brian Keim, the plaintiff who brought the case, used his debit card at stores in Florida in 2019.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“Not really,” Felix mumbled, and picked up his debit card for the first time.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty