A debit card is a payment card that deducts money directly from your checking account. Also called “check cards” or "bank cards," debit cards can be used to buy goods or services or to get cash from an ATM. Debit cards can help you reduce the need to carry cash.• Debit cards are payment cards that reduce the need to carry cash or physical checks to make purchases. You can use debit cards at ATMs to withdraw cash. Debit card purchases may --
require a personal identification number (PIN), but some purchases can be made without one. Why do people use debit cards? For many people, it is more convenient to carry a small, plastic card instead of a bulky checkbook or a large amount of cash. Using a debit card is also easier and faster than writing a check. It's a good way to pay for purchases without having to pay interest, as you would if using a credit card with an outstanding balance. You can even use your debit card to get cash when you make purchases at a store.