How to Activate and Use a Debit Card?

Today, debit cards are an essential and necessary part of the banking industry. A bank issues debit cards to all savings and current account holders. The debit card allows the account holder to access the account from any location at any time. Getting a new card can be very exciting, and once you have it, you need to activate it.

Read on to know more. 

What is a Debit Card?

A debit card is a card provided by a bank that allows you to make purchases and also make payments online. The card also allows you a feature to draw funds directly from your account.  In a sealed envelope, your bank will provide you with a debit card and an  ATM PIN in a welcome kit. The debit card allows the account holder to access the account from any location at any time.  

What are the Features of a Debit Card?

• Unlike a credit card where you need to borrow money from a lender, the money in your debit card account is yours. 
• Debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. 
• Debit cards, in addition to cash registers and ATMs, are compatible with mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, as well as numerous money transfer apps.
• Any account holder should know how to use a debit card to withdraw money and make PoS transactions.

How Can I Use my Debit Card to Withdraw Cash?

1. Go to an ATM and insert your Debit Card. Check that it is inserted through the side with the bank’s logo and chip and then removed.
2. The next step is for you to select the language of your choice.
3. Enter the four-digit PIN using the keypad. Incorrect PIN entry can result in the debit card being blocked.
4. Select a transaction type from the drop-down menus. Select the ‘Withdraw Money’ option.
5. Next, you must select the account type – current, savings, or any other.
6. Enter the amount to be withdrawn into the keypad and press ok/enter. Ascertain that the account has a sufficient balance.
7. Collect the money and the withdrawal receipt, which serves as proof of the transaction. It also includes the account balance after the withdrawal.
8. Click the cancel/cross button to end the session.

Also Read: What Is The Difference Between Credit Card And Debit Card?

How to Activate a Debit Card?

There are 3 ways through which you can activate your debit card. 

1. Use an ATM 

Your nearest ATM machine can help you activate a debit card:

1. Obtain your PIN from the sealed envelope received from the bank.
2. Your debit card needs to be inserted in the socket given in the ATM machine.
3. Enter your debit card number along with the received ATM pin.
4. Next, create a new ATM Pin.  
5. Keep following instructions that appear on the screen post in which your ATM card will be activated.

2. Through Netbanking

This is how to activate your debit card online: 

1. Log in to the internet banking portal of your bank
2. Spot the ‘Debit Card’ section.
3. Then, choose the option “generate PIN” or “create a PIN.”
4. The portal will then guide you through further steps to activate your debit card.

3. Through Phone Banking

You can also activate your debit card directly from your phone using the phone banking PIN you have received from the bank:

• Dial the phone number provided.
• Once connected, follow all the instructions provided by the phone banker and get your card activated.

Almost all banks have a similar, time-consuming procedure for activating a debit card. Some banks send OTP to the customer’s registered mobile number for added security when verifying and activating a debit card. Do note that you need to have your phone number registered with the connected debit card while activating it.

What to Do if You are Unable to Activate Your Debit Card?

If you haven’t used your debit card for online/contactless payments in a long time, your bank may deactivate it. The payment feature on unused cards is disabled by leading private sector banks. This is in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.

But there is no need to be concerned. You can reactivate the debit card for online transactions by logging into your internet banking service. You could also speak with a concerned manager at the bank, who will reactivate your debit card for you.

Benefits of Using A Debit Card

After customers activate a debit card, they benefit significantly in the following ways:

1. Simple to obtain 

After opening an account, most financial institutions will issue you a debit card upon request. A cheque book is sent to your address given on your ID proof, while a debit card is handed to you right there.

2. Convenience

Instead of filling out a paper cheque, you can make purchases by swiping your card or by using a chip-enabled terminal. Carrying a small, plastic card rather than a bulky Cheque book or a large amount of cash is more convenient.

You do not need to carry cash or a chequebook. Debit cards are secured by a four-digit pin number that you create. This pin is required for any debit card purchase.

3. Accepted readily 

When travelling out of town (or out of the country), debit cards are usually widely accepted, unlike cheques with which you have to find a bank, stand in queues and have ID proof with you at the time. With debit cards, you can just insert your card into an ATM machine, withdraw money and are good to go.

Also Read: 5 Types of Debit Cards And Their Features That You Should Know

Final Word

After you activate a debit card, you can enjoy its numerous benefits. You can use the card to withdraw money from ATMs and shop in stores, shop online, and pay your bills, to name a few. You no longer need to worry about carrying foreign currency when travelling internationally. You can use the international debit card to pay for your purchases and other expenses while travelling abroad.

FAQs on Debit Card Activation