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 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

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

The card duopoly makes money not just from credit card transactions, but also from debit card payments, earning roughly the same fee on both types of swipes.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Temu has seen seven straight months of double-digit U.S. sales declines, according to Consumer Edge, a firm that tracks credit and debit card transactions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Benji pointed to the debit card still in her hand.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty