how do you use a debit card in a store?

Question

I just got one and I don't want to look like an idiot, when i go to use it.

Answer 1

Well, a few things.

1) You need a checking account linked to the card

2) If you have the Visa or Mastercard logo, you can use it as a credit card as well (So that means you can buy things online, or use it over the phone without giving your pin).

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Depending on the POS System, you normally swipe the card in the card reader when it says to swipe the card. It might ask you if you want debit or credit (And if you select credit, make sure you have the visa master card logo).

If you select Debit - you it will want you to enter in your pin.

If you select Credit, the cashier might ask to see some identification, and you will sign the receipt (And you won't enter a pin).

If you want help deciding on which one to use, here are some tips/

Visa and Mastercard transactions will not carry a merchant transaction fee - This is a rule set by Visa and Mastercard (A fee charged by the place you are using your card at). They may however, set a minimum transaction amount. Some banks may charge you to use your card, others won't. You can not get cash back when you do Visa or Mastercard transactions, because with a regular credit card, that would be like taking a cash advance out without the higher APR.

Normally, using your card as debit, some places will charge you a surcharge. Del Taco for example charges you 79 cents. AM/PM charges 45 cents. These two places only accept debit.

Answer 2

You slide the debit card in the same machine that you would slide a credit card in. If it gives you the option of "debit" or "credit," just hit "debit." Then put your pin number in. After you've done this, it might ask if you want cash back. Hit "no" or, if you do want cash back, select the amount that you would like to get back. Then it should give you the total cost of your purchase, and you hit "ok" or "yes." I've been using a debit card for years. It's a great way to make sure that you don't spend more than you have. Happy shopping!

Answer 3

There are 2 ways to use a debit card in stores. 1.) the easiest way is to simply swipe your card, barcode facing down, and slide. Then with most retailers theese days, you simply sign on the pinpad with the stylus (fake pen) and hit ok or complete. If you mess up while signing, simply hit clear and start over. That is using it as "credit" (even though it is really a debit card.) It comes out of your bank account regardless. To use the "debit" option you have to use your personal identification number or PIN, and select the debit option and type in your pin. I personally only want to use my PIN at the atm where noone is watching me. Some stores have you slide your card and a screen comes up for you to select your PIN. If you prefer using it as "credit" (where you sign for it) then simply hit cancle one time and then select credit. The clerks are trained to tell people on how to use them, You will find that every machine is different, so you really shouldnt feel like an Idiot. The clearks correct or explain about 500 times a day on how to use the machine. One more thing, make sure that your card is signed on the back. Clearks are supposed to make sure they match to prevent fraudulant use of them, or using someone elses stolen card, but most often they just dont pay attention. I recomond instead putting CHeck ID, that way the store will be accountable if they accept your card in the event if it is ever stolen, because if they ask for ID, and it doesnt match the name on the card, then they shouldnt accept it. The other thing you can do is use your debit card at an atm, just select your language, and then type in your PIn, and follow the Atm prompts, most banks and atms charge a fee if it is not on eof the bank that you belong too. Best of luck!

Answer 4

you use it the same way that you would use a credit card
give it to the cashier and she will slide it thru the machine
you will be asked to type in your pin number, which is the personal identification number that the bank sent for the card.
If you are at a checkout that has the card slider facing you then you would first select what option you want, prolly debit or atm button, then slide the card, you will be asked for the PIN #, punch the # in and then it will ask you if $??? is the correct total and you punch in Yes......... sign receipt and ur done

Answer 5

Just like a credit card. Hand it over, then sign.

If you are in some place like a grocery store and you swipe the card yourself, then you will have to tell the little machine it is a debit card (it will ask you). Then you just sign.

It's easy, don't worry about the card. I'd be more worried about how much I would spend with the card!

Answer 6

you already look like an idiot on the net for asking a dumb question . Follow the prompts on the machine when you swipe the card assuming you can read . If not ask for help and hold the line up and you will make lots of new friends=- LMAO.

Answer 7

It's easy...just like a credit card, only you will have to enter your PIN number when you use it. They swipe it just like any other card, you punch in your 4-digit PIN, and that's all.

Do make sure your new card is activated before trying to use it...normally when you get the new card there is a sticker on it with a phone # you need to call to activate the card.

Hope this info helped.

Answer 8

Hand it to the cashier, and if you get stuck, tell her you've just got your first card... They'll tell you what to do, and all they want is your money! So you've got nothing to worry about...

If you're in the UK, they'll put your card into a little box with a keypad on top, 90% of the time they'll say when to enter your PIN and when to remove your card, if they don't, the box has a small LCD screen on which also says what to do...

You'll be fine, now go shopping!...

Answer 9

Use it the same you would any credit card. If they ask if you would like debit or credit you should be able to put it through as a credit card, and you will avoid debit fees.

Answer 10

Just like a credit card but you will have to enter a PIN number. You should have set that up with the bank. Yes, it does come out of your checking account so don't forget to adjust the balance.