Using and paying with debit cards

Almost all bank accounts (also known as current accounts) come with a linked debit card. This lets you: 

• pay for things in shops, online or over the phone 
  
• withdraw cash. 

You’ll also be sent a four-digit security PIN, which you’ll need to remember. You can usually change this at a cash machine.  

You can usually get a debit card from age 11, depending on the account you open.

This depends on where you use your card:

• Online and over the phone, you’ll usually need to:
  
  • enter your long card number, name and expiry date 
  • enter the three-digit code on the back of the card – called a CVV 
  • pass another form of security, such as entering a code sent to your mobile phone or approving the payment in your mobile banking app. 
• In shops or at cash machines you can either: 
  • put your card into a reader and enter your PIN
  • tap your card for payments of £100 or under – most cards have this contactless technology, but not all.

You can also link your card to an e-wallet like Apple or Google Pay. This lets you pay any amount: 

• in store by tapping your smartphone or watch  
• online by logging in to your wallet.  

See e-money explained for more information.  

Debit card payments are covered by the chargeback scheme. If you have a problem with a purchase, like receiving a faulty item or not getting what you've paid for, always ask the company to sort it first.

If they won’t give you a refund, you can ask your bank to claim the money back. You have 120 days from the purchase date to claim, or the event date for tickets. 

Your bank will ‘reverse the transaction’ to get the money back from the company’s bank, although the company might try to reclaim the money if they still think it’s owed.

 If your claim is refused, you should be told why and the complaints process to follow if you’re not happy.  

If you’re spending more than £100, paying by credit card gives you Section 75 protection. This is a legal right where you can secure a full refund from your credit card provider if you don’t get (or there is a problem with) the goods or services you paid for. See debit and credit card protection for full information. 

If someone else uses your card, this is known as fraud. Contact your bank immediately if your card is lost or stolen, or you don’t recognise a transaction.  

You can usually: 

• freeze your card using online or mobile banking 

• speak to your bank’s fraud department by phone or live chat. 

Your bank will then investigate and usually refund any transactions made without your permission.  

Here are some general rules: 

• never give your card or PIN to anyone 

• don’t write your PIN down 

• don’t use a number that could be easily guessed by others, like your birthday 

• report suspected fraud and lost or stolen cards straight away. 

To help protect your account further, you can often set up: 

• instant spending notifications – these tell you every time your card is used, so you can spot unusual activity quickly.

• daily spending and cash withdrawal limits – your card will automatically stop if these are reached.  

Fraudsters set up scams to try and trick you into sharing your details. Always be wary of cold callers or links in emails asking for your bank details. If in doubt, don’t do it. See our guide Am I being scammed? How to tell if you’ve been targeted for full help.  

Debit cards are usually free to use, but there are some charges to be aware of.

 Your bank will usually use the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate – look for the logo on your card. Both are generally competitive, but your bank might then add on: 

• a currency exchange fee – often around 3% of the transaction amount  
• a spending or cash fee every time the card is used – except for euros within the EU.

Always check what your card charges, as it varies by bank or account. For example, some cards offer free overseas spending.  

• Withdrawing cash. Many cash machines are free, but some have one-off fees to withdraw money. Cancel and try another one to avoid this.   
• If you spend more than you have. Many accounts will let you borrow the money using an overdraft and charge daily interest until it’s paid back.