How to Use a Debit CardNowadays, mo

How to Use a Debit Card
Nowadays, more and more people are using debit cards as a mode of payment. A reason for this is the convenience and speed of payment that it offers. Similar in look to a credit card, a debit card differs in that it is linked directly to a fund source such as a savings or a checking account. When the debit card is used, the payment is automatically deducted from the fund, alleviating possible major debts, as can be the case with a credit card. However, caution and discipline should still be maintained in ensuring that all debit card purchases are tracked, and that any purchases made fall within the limits of the amount of cash in the fund source.
Steps
Use a Debit Card Step 11
Activate the debit card with the bank where you obtained it from. Upon receipt of the debit card from your bank, make sure to activate it to make it ready for use. This can normally be done by contacting the number of the bank’s assistance center listed on the back of the debit card.
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Use a Debit Card Step 22
Make sure that you have enough cash in the account linked to the debit card to fund for your purchases. Whereas you can use a credit card to make purchases even if you do not have enough funds in your account at the moment, for a debit card, you can typically only make as much purchases as the amount of funds you have in your account. In some cases, you can make purchases higher than the amount left in your account, but these would result in overdraw fees. Check that the funds in your account is not below the amount that you intend to spend, in order to maximize the use of the debit card.
Use a Debit Card Step 33
Know the PIN number of your debit card. A debit card would usually come with a four-digit PIN (personal identification number), which you can change to another number that you can easily remember. Make sure that you have memorized your PIN, and that you do not disclose it to anyone. As much as possible, avoid writing down your PIN. If you must write it, keep the written PIN in a separate place from your debit card. Try to choose a number combination as well which will not be very easy to guess, should other people come in possession of your debit card.
Use a Debit Card Step 44
Hand your debit card to the cashier of the store where you are making a purchase. The cashier will swipe the debit card through the card reading machine. The card reader will then present an option whether to pay through debit or credit. Even if you are using a debit card, you can still opt to pay through a credit method.
Debit: Verify that the amount of purchase entered in the card reader is correct. The card reader will then prompt you to enter your PIN. If you choose the debit option, you can normally opt for cash back as well. Instead of having to go to the ATM to get extra cash, cash back allows you to obtain the cash along with your purchase. The cash will be deducted from your account as well.
Credit: Verify that the amount of purchase entered in the card reader is correct. Instead of having to input a PIN, you will be asked to sign the receipt, but the purchase amount will still be automatically deducted from your account.
Use a Debit Card Step 5


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Check that your transaction has been approved. A notice will be sent in the card reader indicating if your transaction has been approved. If it has not been approved, it is likely that you do not have sufficient funds in your account to make the purchase.
Use a Debit Card Step 66
Keep track of the purchases that you make with your debit card. It is always a good idea to log the expenses you pay with your debit card, to keep your spending patterns in check. Even if you would not incur debts as you might have with a credit card, forgetting to keep track of your debit card purchases might lead you to spend more than what you intended to, and leave you with less funds than you expected in your account.