What is the difference between Debit card and ATM card? Can Debit cards be used at ATM machines?

Answer 1

Both cards draw funds from your bank account at the time they are used.

An ATM card is a pin-based card. You can use it only at an ATM or a pin-based script machine to get cash (some grocery stores, gas pumps and restaurants have script machines). You typically are the one that will get charged a fee if you use your ATM card somewhere else besides your bank's ATM network (foreign transaction). For a foreign transaction you can get charged by your bank (intercharge fee) and by the ATM owner (surcharge fee) sometimes called a "double-dipping fee". If you do not have funds in your account, your ATM card will not complete a transaction.

A Debit card will work either pin-based (at an ATM) or signature-based (like a credit card). If the Debit card is used like a credit card, the merchant pays the transaction fee (why Walmart is pissed and is starting their own bank). A note of caution on using your Debit card. If you do not have funds to cover the transaction, most banks will "conveniently" allow the transaction to process. Some banks call this a "transaction courtesy" or "transaction protection". The "courtesy" that the bank is giving you is going to cost you at least $25.00 for each time they cover a non-funded transaction - so be careful. You can have this "service" removed from your account.

Both ATM and Debit cards can be setup for overdraft protection if you have another account at the bank that will automatically transfer funds when you run short in your main account. The only problem is that the ATM card will not work until the funds have been transferred.

Answer 2

ATM cards can only be used for ATM machines. Debit cards can be used for ATMs and for paying anywhere that accepts a credit card. They are NOT the same. If you read the fine print document that comes with the debit card, you will find that if your card is stolen and money was taken from your account, it can take up to 4 business days, which means no Sundays or holidays) to get the money credited back to your account. A stolen ATM card, you will be credited within 1 business day. This is a big difference if you have less than $1000 in your account and you are writing checks aginst it as well, because you will bounce checks and pay for returned checks. It's not worth the headache. Stick with the ATM card only.

Answer 3

Originally, all bank checking account cards were for ATM (Automated Teller Machine) use. Over the past few years, I believe they've all become Debit Cards, which can be used for purchases just like credit cards. Actually, most offer the option of "swiping them as credit cards", and avoiding using a PIN.
The only problem would be if you have an "exception" on your account, which is usually due to having too many overdrawn checks. A great way to avoid this is always pay with your card!! Or pay on line!!

Answer 4

The debit cards and the ATM cards pull the money straight from your checking account. However, the ATM cards can only be used at ATMs. A debit card can be used in a store and at an ATM.

Answer 5

yes a debit card can be used at an ATM machine. the main difference is that a debit card has a visa/mastercard logo on it and can be used like a credit card (funds being taken directly from your account) and where those logos are accepted. an ATM card is strictly for the ATM machine. with a debit card you can also get cash back at say, the grocery store, when you use it as payment...its like using a check without the writing and the money is taken out immediately.

Answer 6

An atm card can only be used at ATM Machines. A debit card can be used at an ATM machine, but can also be used in stores. Instead of carrying cash, or looking for an ATM machine that wont charge you to withdraw money from your account, you can use your debit card at the cashier. When the cashier swipes the card, it debits your checking account. Some vendors even allow you to do a cash withdraw from your account while you are paying for your merchandise with your debit card.

Answer 7

ATM cards: Can only be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines only.

Debit cards: Allows you to withdraw cash from ATM machines and buy stuff from stores by debiting your account. A debit card is similar to a credit card but with no credit, just the money available in the account.

Answer 8

In the U.S. or Australia.

Atm Cards do not have the Visa or MasterCard symbol on it. Debit cards do have a Visa or MasterCard symbol on them. Atm Cards unless restricted can also work at merchants who take pin based debit cards.

Both will work at atms.

Update.
This is to correct a poster. You are protected in the U.S. for fraudulent card activity

Up to 2 days you are only libel for $50.00
3 to 60 days you are only libel for $500.00
After 60 days -You could lose all your money.
Now if it is just your debit card number that was stolen you are only libel after 60 days.

The key is to report the unauthorized use or lost of the card quickly. So they can hotlist the card. Most banks will eat the $50.00 and overdraft charges.

Some people do not realize their U.S. ATM cards can work at merchants using a pin. Especially if they have the Star or Nyce logo on the card. A restricted card would only have Cirrus, Plus logo on the card. A further restricted card would only have the banks logo on them.

This has been my experience.

Answer 9

They are NOT the same thing.A debit card allows you to purchase the same as using cash,and get cash back.An ATM card can only be used to withdraw cash from your checking,or savings account.You can also use a debit card to withdraw cash from your own account.HINT:when asked if you want to do a debit,or credit,say credit |They will still take the money from your account,but without charging a fee.

Answer 10

They are pretty much the same thing but have different names. You can use a debit card at any atm.