Debit cards act like cash or a check.

A debit card has some of the best features of a check, a credit card and cash, all rolled into one! A debit card is a smart, easy, and inexpensive way to handle your money and is ideal if you don’t want, or are having trouble getting, a credit card. 

A debit card (or ATM card) has some of the best features of a check and cash -- all rolled into one! It’s a smart, easy, and inexpensive way to handle your money and is ideal to access your savings and checking accounts and its free when you open a bank account

Uses of a Debit Card

• Get cash from an ATM
• Manage your checking account 
• Transfer money between your savings and your checking account
• Check your balance
• Deposit checks or cash into your account 24 hours a day. 
• Use it to pay for small or routine purchases.

You won’t be borrowing money from someone else like a credit card so you don’t have to worry about interest charges as with a credit card, or the cost of buying or carrying paper checks. 

For identification purposes, you will use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you selected when you opened the bank account. The PIN is a secret 4-digit number that will come to you in the mail a day or two after you get your card. It's very important to memorize your PIN number. Don't tell anyone else your number, and don't write it on your card. If you lose your card or have it stolen, and someone has your PIN, they can use the card to access your money. 

Debit Card Safety Tips

• Check your bank account balance frequently. (It’s quick and easy to do online!)
• Check your statements for any purchase you don’t recognize. 
• Call your bank immediately if your card is lost or stolen.

Debit Cards with Visa® and MasterCard® Logos 

Some debit cards are also issued with bank accounts and have a Visa® or MasterCard® logo on them and may be called “Check Cards”.  These cards have all the qualities of a debit card like bank account management and ATM withdrawals.  In addition, they are more secure and can be used for telephone and online purchases. A Check card has no preset spending limit and uses a signature to prove your identity – not a 4-digit PIN number.