What is a debit card? (2024)

Read Time: 4 Min

A debit card is a payment card connected to a checking account, and you can use it to make both online and in-person purchases, where cards are accepted.

You can use a debit card at an ATM to withdraw cash from a checking account, or to pay for goods and services at businesses that accept your bank’s card type.

Are debit cards and credit cards the same?

No. A debit card is not a credit card.

They look similar, but they function differently. A credit card has a line of credit attached to it. When a purchase is paid for with a credit card, it is deducted from the available credit and the account holder may be charged interest on the purchase. The card holder will either pay off the balance every month or make at least the minimum payment toward the balance every month. When a debit card is used to pay for a transaction, the amount is deducted from the available balance of the account and there’s no interest charge.

It’s possible to overdraw an account with a debit card, so it’s important to understand your bank’s overdraft options. Since you may have a debit card and a credit card through the same bank, many banks will print the word “debit” on the debit card and the card designs may differ as well. For instance, a debit card will contain the following information:

Name of the bank
Card number
Expiration date
Account holder’s name
Payment processor’s logo
A chip (if it’s a chip-enabled card)

Chip debit cards have a chip that provides increased security by encrypting information when the card is used during a transaction or at an ATM^†. The back of a chip card will have:

A magnetic strip that contains banking information
A place for the card holder to sign the card
Contact information for the bank
A CVV (card verification value) number

The CVV number is another security feature and is used during “card not present” transactions, like when someone purchases something online. It’s a 3- or 4-digit number and the CVV number is not electronically stored in the same place and manner where the card number and expiration date are stored. If there’s a security breach, stolen card numbers and expiration dates cannot be used with merchants that require the CVV number^‡.

How can you get a debit card or bank card?

Typically, your bank will issue a debit card when you open a new checking account. You may be able to get a custom debit card with a design that reflects your personality.

If you open a new account in a branch, the bank may provide a temporary card in the branch and then mail the debit card to you. The card and the PIN will arrive separately in the mail.

After you receive your debit card, you will need to activate your debit card before you can use it. Before using your new debit card, transfer any funds from other accounts to your checking account and set up online banking. This will help you understand your checking account balance and provide helpful tools that will help you set a budget, track your spending and reach your savings goals.

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What do you need to get a debit card?

Since debit cards are connected to bank accounts, you will need to open a checking account. If you are or plan on becoming a Huntington customer, you will need to select your debit card during the account opening process. To open a checking account, you need government issued ID and additional documentation.

How can you get a debit card online?

To get a debit card online, you will need to open a checking account online. From there, the card will arrive in the mail in 7-10 days. Existing Huntington customers can visit any branch or call us to inquire about getting a new card.

What are the advantages of using a debit card?

Typically, debit cards will come with perks and some benefits. These will vary from bank to bank, but if you bank with Huntington you can enjoy benefits such as:

MasterCard’s “Zero Liability” Policy^§: Shop with confidence with MasterCard’s “Zero Liability” protection. If you didn’t authorize a purchase, you can dispute it. Certain limitations apply.
Huntington’s Customer Care Support: If your debit card is lost or stolen, contact us. We’re here to help.
Worldwide Acceptance: Debit cards from Huntington have the MasterCard logo. This means your card is accepted anywhere in the world where MasterCard is accepted.
Ease of Use: No need to carry cash or worry about carrying the correct amount when shopping. Use the card at checkout by either entering a PIN or using your signature.
Easy Access to Cash: Use your debit card at any of the 1,434 Huntington ATMs, use at ATMs that process cards with the MasterCard logo, or get cash back at a merchant (PIN required).
Identity Theft Resolution Services: Get assistance if you become the victim of identity theft. Learn more about identity theft resolution with Huntington and MasterCard.

For more information or questions on how you can to get a debit card, talk to a Huntington banker or visit your local branch today. We’re ready to help.

^† Brendan Harkness, “Chip Credit Cards: EMV, Chip-and-PIN, and Chip-and-Signature,” Credit Card Insider, Updated March 27, 2020.

^‡ John Egan, “What’s My Credit Card CVV?” U.S. News & World Report, January 2, 2019.

^§ Zero Liability Disclaimer: Transactions are protected by federal law and Mastercard's Zero Liability. Transactions you did not authorize should be reported to MasterCard promptly through the dispute process to help assist the investigation process as needed. Certain limitations apply. See the Electronic Funds Transfer Services section of the Consumer Deposit Account Agreement and www.mastercard.com/zeroliability for complete details.

Mastercard and Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.