A debit card works much like a credit card except without the ability to spend more money than you have. The purchases you make with it are immediately taken from your bank account. Purchases that exceed your total balance will be declined.
You can use a debit card to make online purchases as well.
Debit Card | Perks | |
---|---|---|
DBS Debit Card | No Annual Fees | |
UOB One Debit Card | Online Shopping | |
HSBC Everday Global Debit Card | Frequent Travellers | |
OCBC Yes! Debit Card | Transportation and Food | |
Standard Chartered Business Credit Card | No Rebate Cap and Minimum Spend |
Debit cards are very similar to credit cards except that you use your own money instead of borrowing it and paying it back at the end of the month. Debit cards don’t come with interest charges, so they save you a little more than credit cards. That being said, you have a limited amount of money to use.
Credit cards are best for people who make regular payments to certain business niches, allowing them to gain certain rewards and bonuses. Debit cards are better for those that don’t spend much and want to avoid the risk of getting into debt.
There are a number of features to consider before choosing a debit card:
Of course, you do. It is important that you have your own PIN that no one else knows about. In fact, banks should recommend that you change your PIN right away and then take a new one every 3-6 months.
Typically, you can link any kind of bank account to a debit card. The account must have a SWIFT code and match the name of your card to do so, however.
You need to have an active transaction account before you can get a card. Pick your desired transaction account, then fill out the application form through your chosen bank. The debit card will then be sent to you within a week or two.
Overdrawing occurs when you draw out more than your account contains. Basically, when you hit zero balance and are still able to draw a small amount more, you gain a negative balance. This is called overdrawing.
It will if you have an overdraft set up. This will allow you to use a small amount of extra money. Repaying this money will include a heavy fee, however. The longer your account remains empty, the bigger this fee will be.
Cashback debit cards allow you the chance to earn a small amount of your spending back in cash. You need to reach a minimum spend each month in order to get it.
You can see what is in your savings account with your debit card, assuming you’ve linked it. However, you can’t use the money in your savings account until you transfer it to a cheque account.
Immediately call your bank and get the card frozen. The bank will then send you a new card and get you to set up a different PIN.
You, as the primary account owner, will be responsible for all cards, but yes, you can have more than one card for multiple people in some instances.
You may need to activate your card for overseas use. Most cards do work overseas but will incur additional fees when doing so.
You can get a basic debit card, but not a Master or Visa card.
Check first with any other cardholders that use your account. If you still find issues with your numbers, contact your bank right away and they’ll help you sort it out.
It could be due to two transactions being completed at the exact same moment or a slow clearing check. Avoid getting extra charges by getting an overdraft account.
Contact your bank right away so that they can check the system and get the correct amount to you.
Cards that utilize payWave have a little symbol on them that says so. If your card doesn’t have it, call your bank and have them get you a new card that does.
A foreign transaction fee occurs when you make a purchase while overseas. You will typically need to pay 3% of the purchase cost extra.
A CVV, or card verification value, is the three-digit number on the back of your debit card. It is used as an extra line of security to reduce the chances of fraud.
There are a few concerns that come with using a debit card. Take a look:
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