Deebetkaarte

Deebetkaarte, commonly referred to as debit cards, are payment cards issued by banks or other financial institutions that draw funds directly from a linked bank account to settle transactions. They are designed for everyday payments and cash withdrawals, functioning as a convenient alternative to cash or checks.

Used at point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, and increasingly for online purchases, deebetkaarte transactions are typically authenticated by a personal identification number (PIN) or, in some cases, by a signature or contactless confirmation. Many cards support near-field communication (NFC) for quick, tap-and-pay transactions. The funds are usually deducted from the linked account almost immediately, helping users manage their budgets in real time.

Compared with credit cards, deebetkaarte do not create a line of credit; spending is generally limited to the available balance. Some accounts may permit overdrafts or linked credit facilities, allowing temporary borrowing up to an agreed limit. Debit cards may carry daily usage limits and may incur fees for certain transactions, such as foreign withdrawals or online purchases, depending on the issuer and jurisdiction.

Security features commonly include EMV chips, PIN protection, and card verification data for online transactions. Cardholders are advised to guard their PIN, monitor statements for unauthorized activity, and report lost or stolen cards promptly. Fraud risks include card-not-present fraud online, skimming, and phishing attempts.

Regulation varies by country but often includes consumer protections for debit card use, liability rules in cases of unauthorized transactions, and security requirements such as strong customer authentication. Debit networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, enable broad merchant acceptance and interoperability with ATMs worldwide. Debit cards remain widely used for routine payments and as a tool for managing everyday finances.