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

But if you treat it like a debit card and pay it off monthly, you’re just getting rewarded for the spending you were already doing.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 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

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

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

My dad thankfully had the common sense to send me to the bank after I turned eighteen so I could get a debit card.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera