What is a Debit Card?

Debit cards are also known as check cards. Debit cards look like credit cards or ATM (automated teller machine) cards, but operate like cash or a personal check. Debit cards are different from credit cards. While a credit card is a way to “pay later,” a debit card is a way to “pay now.”

When you use a debit card, your money is quickly deducted from your checking or savings account.

You may not realize that you have a debit card.  Many banks are replacing their standard ATM cards with upgraded ATM cards with a debit feature.  You may also receive in the mail what looks like a  credit card when in fact it is a debit card.

For complete debit card research read the pdf brochure for teens and finance at:

Debit Cards: Beyond Cash and Checks

The financial information is our area of interest for our clients, but National Consumers League provides consumer protection in other areas as well.  Their mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues. We are the nation's oldest consumer organization.

Source:  National Consumers League