A debit card is a financial tool provided by banks that makes it easy and secure for customers to pay using money from their savings accounts. This card allows people to do cashless transactions instead of going to the bank for cash withdrawals.
Using a debit card, you can withdraw money from ATMs, swipe it for purchases, and make payments online. You don’t have to carry physical cash, even travelling to other countries.
Debit cards are a great option because they help manage spending – you can only use the money in your account. When you open a savings account at a bank, you usually become eligible for a debit card.
It’s important to note that a debit card differs from a credit card. We’re here to provide you with a complete understanding of what is a debit card, who can get one, the charges associated and more.
Understanding Debit Cards
A debit card is a payment card that takes money directly from your savings account. It’s also known as an “ATM card”. With a debit card, you can make purchases, pay for services, or withdraw cash from an ATM. These cards offer the advantage of easing the need to carry physical money, although charges might be associated with their use.
How do Debit Cards Work?
Knowing the proper meaning of a debit card and how it works is essential, as fraudulent activities can happen with just your card number and CVV. The card’s spending power depends on how much money is in your bank account. The card number has 16 digits and a unique three- or four-digit CVV code specific to the account owner. The card’s expiration date is shown as ‘valid thru’ along with the month and year (MM/YY) when the card will no longer work.
You need to open a new account to be eligible for a debit card. Major payment processors like Visa, RuPay, and Mastercard issue these cards. If there’s a transaction on the card, you get a text message on your registered mobile number to notify you. There’s also a daily limit on how much you can withdraw from a debit card.
Nowadays, some cards have a tap-and-pay feature where you don’t have to enter a PIN. You can do this by tapping or holding the card over a POS machine, and the transaction goes through.
Debit Card Charges Breakdown
Debit cards can come with various fees based on specific circumstances:
Overdrafts: If you spend more money than you have in your account, you may face overdraft fees.
Using Non-Network ATMs: There might be charges if you use an ATM that isn’t from your bank’s network.
Annual Fees: Based on the bank’s policies, many cards have a yearly fee, usually ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. Some banks offer interest-free debit cards.
Replacement or Loss: If your card needs to be replaced due to loss, damage, or other reasons, there might be a fee.
Exceeding Free Transactions: You could be charged if you exceed the limit of free transactions from other bank ATMs.
Foreign Transactions: For transactions in foreign currencies, you might face cross-currency markups and charges for balance checks and cash withdrawals outside your country.
International Purchases: Making purchases using your debit card in foreign countries can incur fees.
These fees can vary from bank to bank, so it’s essential to check your bank’s terms and understand kotak image debit card to understand what charges might apply to your debit card usage.
Eligibility and Required Documents for Obtaining a Debit Card
You must have a savings or current account to be eligible for a debit card. You automatically become eligible for a debit card whenever you open one of these accounts. Other factors that determine eligibility include being an Indian citizen and being 18 years of age or older.
The bank also requires a valid government-approved identity and address proof. Additionally, you must fulfil the minimum balance requirement that varies depending on the bank. Debit cards may have an annual maintenance charge deducted from your account, depending on the bank or card type.
The documents required for obtaining a debit card include the following:
● Identity proof: Passport, Driver’s licence, Voter ID card.
● Address proof, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or Voter’s ID card.
● PAN card.
● Form 16 (if the PAN card isn’t available).
● Two recent passport-size photos.
Conclusion
Debit cards are important in digital banking, and understanding the meaning of debit cards is essential nowadays, with the majority of Indians already taking advantage of it. Debit cards bridge the gap between handling cash, using cashless transactions, and granting cardholders the flexibility to manage their funds with control. These plastic cards replace the need for cash and are integral to today’s financial layout.