A bank, cheque or debit card allows the holder to access their bank account. The card is designed to be able to access the card holders bank account from ATMs. It is also used (in part) as proof of account ownership in shops, banks and other places where financial transactions take place. Debit cards are now widely used instead of cash to make purchases in shops or on the internet. Some debit cards are designed solely for the purpose of making online purchases.

Debit cards have taken over the use of checks for cash transactions. This form of payment is now second only to cash in the most widely used form of payment method.

Debit Cards Uses

• Telephone Transactions
• Online Purchases
• Shop / Store Purchases
• Card to Card Transactions
• Online Account Access
• Bank Identification with Signature
• ATM Access
• Bill Payment in Stores or Online
• Mobile Phone Top Ups
• Direct Debit Set Up
• Standing Order
• Check Guarantee

When using a credit card, the funds are not taken from the account immediately. However, using a debit card ensure that money leaves the account instantaneously.