Understanding the Features & Advantages of Debit Card

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Make banking more manageable with the plethora of benefits offered with debit cards.

Key Takeaways

• You can easily procure a debit card by opening a bank account
• You can go cashless since many establishments accept debit card payments
• You can use the card to pay for shopping, entertainment, online payments, etc.
• You must input the 4-digit PIN at retail outlets while making payment
• The withdrawal or payment amount gets deducted instantly from your account

As more and more businesses go cashless, the modes of payments are also gradually changing. A debit card is one of the most preferred modes of transaction for most people because it is simple, quick, and safe. It has also eliminated the need to carry cash as most establishments accept debit cards for payment. There are many advantages of debit cards and knowing them will help you make better use of them. Keep reading and learn what you can do with your debit card.

Features of Debit Card

• Transactions are secure with a PIN required for transactions.
• Contact-less payments with card makes transaction a quick and easy process.
• You can access a virtual debit card through mobile banking offering control over your card in terms of transaction limits or block the card in case it’s lost.
• You can easily withdraw cash from your account by using your debit card at any ATM.

Advantages of Debit Card

A debit card is directly linked to your savings account and allows you to access your own funds for payments and withdrawals. There are several ways to take advantage of a debit card, such as:

Easy Access to Funds

The introduction of debit has eased the mode of transactions. It is hassle-free, and the payment is directly debited or deducted from your account. As such, you do not have to worry if the transaction will or will not be processed. Moreover, you can withdraw money from an ATM using your debit card, eliminating the need to visit your bank for cash withdrawal. If you have DBS Bank debit card, you can take advantage of free cash withdrawals from any DBS Bank ATM.

Cashback & Rewards

Most banks offer rewards for using their debit card. You can earn points and redeem them in the same way as you would with your credit card. Additionally, some merchants also offer rewards for shopping with them on specific debit cards. You can either win points or get discounts on their products or services. Consider opening a bank account with DBS Bank and enjoy exclusive debit card offers of up to INR 25,000 each year.

Safety and Security

Debit cards come with a default PIN (Personalised Identification Number), which you can change. You will also receive SMS notifications whenever you make a transaction via your debit card. Also, you can make online payments by entering a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number linked to your bank account. Through DBS digibank app you can manage your debit card easily with options to set daily spend limits, enabling or disabling transactions channels or temporary blocking of your card in case its stolen or lost,

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Budget Management & Trackable Spending

 A debit card helps you stay in control of your money. Since the card only deducts amount from your savings account, you can only spend what you have. You can also easily track your spends by checking the transaction history on your mobile banking app or the bank’s web platform. You can also set spend alerts if expenses are crossing a certain amount.

Easy to Obtain & Wide Acceptance

One of the key advantages of a debit card is how easily it can be obtained, usually issued automatically when you open a bank account. Many banks also provide instant virtual cards through mobile apps, allowing immediate online use. Beyond ease of access, debit cards are widely accepted at stores, ATMs, and online platforms in India and abroad. For instance, DBS Bank debit cards work smoothly for both domestic and international payments, making them practical for everyday use and travel.

Online Shopping and Bill Payments

Debit card offers features like auto-debit for recurring payments like bill payments. Debit card also offers plenty of offers when used for online shopping, payments are easy and secure as you will only be required to provide an OTP for validating transactions.

Advantages of Debit Card Over Credit Card

Debit cards provide several practical benefits when compared with credit cards. Since they are directly linked to your savings or current account, they allow you to manage money more responsibly without the risk of accumulating debt. Some key advantages of a debit card over credit card include:

• No Debt Accumulation: Every transaction is debited from your own funds, helping you spend within your means.
• No Interest Charges: Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not attract interest or late payment fees, as there is no credit facility involved.
• Budget-Friendly Spending: Payments are limited to the balance in your account, encouraging disciplined financial habits.
• Instant Access to Funds: Debit cards give you immediate access to your own money at ATMs and POS transactions.
• Lower Fees: Many debit cards have minimal or no annual charges compared with credit cards that often carry fees and penalties.
• Easy to Obtain: Banks typically issue debit cards automatically with an account, making them easier to access than credit cards that require eligibility checks.

Debit cards are therefore ideal for individuals who prefer straightforward access to their funds, controlled spending, and simple banking without the risk of debt.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Using a Debit Card?

Debit cards are convenient and practical, but they come with a few limitations worth noting:

• Fraud Protection: Refunds for unauthorized transactions may take time since the money is directly withdrawn from your account.
• Credit History: Debit card usage does not build your credit score, which is often needed for future loans or credit products.
• Spending Limit: You can only spend the balance available in your account, which may be restrictive in emergencies.
• Charges: Certain services, such as international transactions or ATM withdrawals beyond the free limit, may attract fees.

Knowing these disadvantages of debit card use can help you balance convenience with financial planning and decide when to use other banking products.

Things to Avoid While Using a Debit Card

Using a debit card is convenient, but careless use can put your finances and account security at risk. To ensure safe and effective use, here are some things to avoid:

• Sharing Your PIN: Never disclose your PIN to anyone and avoid writing it down where it can be easily found.
• Using Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: Online payments on unsecured networks increase the risk of fraud and data theft.
• Ignoring Account Alerts: Not checking SMS or email alerts can cause you to miss unauthorized transactions.
• Withdrawing from Unsecure ATMs: Skimming devices or cameras may be installed on poorly maintained ATMs. Use trusted bank ATMs whenever possible.
• Overspending Without Tracking: Even though it is your own money, frequent small transactions can drain your balance quickly

Conclusion

With so many advantages of debit cards, you can truly enjoy a seamless banking experience without ever having to visit the bank. Ensure that you never reveal your secret debit card PIN to anyone to avoid fraudulent transactions. Also, check your bank statement each month, and if you find any unauthorised transactions, inform your bank immediately.

Along with the convenience of DBS Bank debit cards, you can also benefit from competitive savings account interest rates of up to 5.5%. Download the app to open your digital savings account instantly.

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*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. We recommend you get in touch with your income tax advisor or CA for expert advice.