Pankkikorteilla

Pankkikorteilla, often translated as "bank cards" or "payment cards" in English, are a widely used financial instrument in Finland. These cards are issued by banks and allow account holders to conduct various transactions. The most common types are debit cards and credit cards.

Debit cards are directly linked to a user's bank account. When a debit card is used for a purchase, the funds are immediately deducted from the account balance. This means users can only spend what they have available in their account. They are frequently used for everyday purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online shopping.

Credit cards, on the other hand, allow users to borrow money from the issuing bank up to a pre-approved credit limit. Purchases made with a credit card are added to a monthly statement, and the user then has the option to pay the full balance or a minimum amount by a due date. Interest is typically charged on any outstanding balance not paid in full by the due date. Credit cards are often used for larger purchases, travel expenses, and for building a credit history.

Both types of pankkikortilla typically feature a magnetic stripe and a chip for security. Contactless payment technology is also increasingly integrated, allowing for quick and easy transactions by simply tapping the card on a payment terminal. Card security features like PIN codes and fraud monitoring are standard to protect users from unauthorized use.