Understanding the Features & Advantages of Debit Card

A debit card is a convenient alternative to cash availability linked to the savings or current account. Starting the tradition of a cashless society, a debit card can be called the first step to digital banking. From ATM cash withdrawal/deposit, cashless purchases, and contactless swipe payments to online payment; cash management becomes so much easier with debit cards . Account holders are spending their own money, unlike credit cards. If spending can be regulated, the advantages of debit cards are unmatched. So, what are the benefits of debit card? Let us regard the features and advantages of debit cards.

Features of Debit Card

Debit card benefits and features that are most significant to a common user are:

• Convenience, cash withdrawal from ATM, or payment through a card, both in-person or online
• Allows spending within the capacity
• You know your spending limit
• Overdraft option, which helps you to spend even when your account has low cash
• Rewards points add up
• These are secure cards

Advantages of Debit Cards

The debit card is digital cash or the alternative to traditional cash. If you have money in the bank, your debit card is accordingly powered with spending capacity. Let us go through the advantages together. 

• Debit cards can be easily obtained

These cards are linked with savings account and current account and are issued with every new account. Once the account is opened, the account holder must request a debit card. The bank issues the debit card physically at the address mentioned by the account holder, along with the PIN (Personal Identification Number).

• Very convenient to use

A cash alternative, debit cards can be conveniently used to make ATM withdrawals and deposits. These cards can be used as contactless and swiped at PoS. You can easily make online payments by entering your card details.

• No more debts

Debit cards have all the advantages of a credit card without functioning on credit. A debit card uses funds from your account and acts like a bank account card. You need to be mindful of having the spending balance in your account when using a debit card. If there is not enough balance, the card will inform you of the same.

• Safety

Another strong feature of debit cards is their safety. The debit card comes with a magnetic bar, or a digital chip, both of which augment its safety. The card has a PIN which adds safety during transactions. The cards are directly linked to the account and the registered mobile number of the account holder. Each time a transaction takes place, the user receives a security PIN, without which a transaction remains incomplete. These layers of safety checks make this banking instrument highly dependable.

• Readily accepted

Debit cards are accepted everywhere within the country and internationally. Supported by international card networks Visa, and Mastercard, the account holder needs to inform their bank to enable its international usage.

• Alternative to Cash

Debit cards are alternative cash cards. Linked to the account, you pay for purchases through this card both online and in person. You can also withdraw cash from an ATM through debit cards.

• Immediate Transfer of Funds

Online money transfers can be made from a debit card safely. Money can be sent to the account of the merchant when online payment transactions are done. No manual intervention is required.

• Instant Withdrawal of Cash
  • Cardholders can withdraw cash instantly from Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
  • Cardholders can insert the card in the slot of the ATM
  • Select from the screen the preferred language
  • Enter the 4-digit PIN
  • Select the transaction type
  • Enter the amount you want to withdraw
  • Collect the cash and card with the printed receipt

• Can Build A Credit Score

Debit cards do not affect credit scores as they do not involve borrowers. As the funds are deducted from one's savings, there will be no positive or negative effect on the credit score.

Are there any disadvantages to using a Debit Card?

Now that you have learnt about the advantages of debit cards, there are a few disadvantages of debit cards that you should know.

• No credit allowed

Debit cards use the funds from the account holder’s savings and do not work on credit.

• Additional fees on ATM withdrawals

The Reserve Bank of India regulates three free ATM financial and non-financial transactions each on debit cards from non-affiliate ATM counters exceeding which is chargeable.

• No grace periods

Debit cards use funds from the account of the account holder, not like credit cards. When using credit cards, you use credit funds disposable in your account.

• Potential fraud

Debit cards are the responsibility of financial institutions that protect customers from impending fraud. Customers are informed about potentially fraudulent transactions. Customers should keep themselves updated with the latest safety guidelines issued by their bank.

• Debit card fees

Banks charge a nominal annual fee on debit card issuing and maintenance. The fee is automatically debited from the account of the account holder.

Things to Avoid while using Debit Card

• When using the debit card, keep an eye on the account balance
• Limit using out-of-network ATMs to three times, or you will be charged
• Debit cards have limits, so you cannot use them for very expensive purchases
• If the account is joint, you must be extra vigilant while tracking debit
• Never write the PIN on the card or divulge the PIN or CVV on your card even to the bank
• Guard your debit card from theft
• Notify the bank in case of a loss
• Using a contactless chip-enabled technology is safer

What to look for in a Debit Card

• The debit card is issued by the bank against your savings or current account
• A person can hold multiple debit cards linked to multiple accounts
• Some banks charge for debit cards while others give them free with the account
• Withdrawing money from non-affiliated ATMs is liable to a fee
• If the debit card is lost, you must inform your bank immediately for fast and effective action

Conclusion

Most debit card users get so used to using the card that they sometimes overlook the debit card advantages and disadvantages. While advantages are known and enjoyed by the user, not knowing the disadvantages can incur an unnecessary loss in payment and add to inconvenience. With this quick overview, users will know how to use their debit cards better and make the best use of their cards and their hard-earned money.