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What is a Debit Card? Why should you use debit card?

Nowadays, debit card is the most common bank card used with its convenience and many outstanding features. You should have a debit card that meets your needs and daily payment transactions.

The following article will provide information about a debit card including:

What is a debit card?

Debit card is a card issued by the bank to the cardholder to pay instead of cash. Debit card has all the functions of a payment card (cash withdrawal, transfer, view account balance, print statement, pay bills, etc.).

Debit card is a card that allows cardholder to make card transactions within the amount and overdraft limit (if any) of the cardholder's payment account opened by the bank. Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not allow cardholders to spend first and pay later.

There are two popular types of debit cards: domestic debit card and international debit card.

Domestic debit card

Domestic debit card is an ATM card used to pay for domestic products and services only. In Vietnam, banks often integrate issuing debit card with chip-based ATM card when cardholder opens bank account; therefore, domestic debit card is also known as ATM card.

In addition, local debit card associated with NAPAS, also known as NAPAS debit card, with high technology security chip, customer can make card transactions at all ATMs and POS machines that participate in NAPAS's network in Vietnam.

International debit card

International debit card has the same usage as domestic debit card but has a global reach. Customers traveling or working abroad can easily withdraw money, pay bills online or use other banking services with this card. Popular international debit cards such as Visa Debit card, MasterCard Debit card, JCB Debit card, etc.

Most banks apply a demand interest rate to the deposit in the account of Visa Debit card. However, keep in mind that Visa Debit card, or other debit cards won´t make payments for amounts greater than the balance in the account.

HSBC Debit Card gives you the convenience and security to make transactions at points accepting Visa card payments, such as at local and overseas ATMs have VISA/PLUS symbols, POS (Point of Sale) or online payment is extremely fast and convenient with contactless payments and other utilities. Apply now!

What are differences between Visa debit card and NAPAS card?

Visa debit card and NAPAS card are two common types of debit cards that make many people confused. In fact, these two cards have similar features, differing in the card issuer. In particular:

  • Visa debit card is a debit card provided by VISA International Service Association, known as international debit card with local and global reach as well.
  • NAPAS card is only be used for transactions in Vietnam, known as NAPAS domestic payment card.

Features and benefits of debit card

Debit card has all the functions of a payment card to help you:

  • Pay in person and online at transaction points instead of paying in cash. By this way, you will save time and not worry about losing money. In addition, international debit card is secured by high technology that your transactions are always protected.
  • Deposit – Transfer – Withdraw money from ATMs. Besides these flexible functions, Visa Debit card also accepted worldwide at any related transaction systems.
  • Balance inquiry. You can easily monitor account balance via ATM or mobile banking, mobile app.
  • Print statement. Transactions are saved by the bank, and you can print to double check.
     

HSBC VISA Debit card provides many attractive incentives from home&Away and Privilege Club offers. Learn about home&Away and Privilege Club.

Difference between cards (Debit card vs Credit card)

Debit card and credit card are the two most commonly used cards. When you use a debit card, you are spending your own money. Meanwhile, using a credit card that you are borrowing money and need to repay later.

A comparison table of debit card and credit card

Type of cards Debit Card Credit Card
Definition
  • A payment card instead of cash.
  • Cardholder can only spend and transact with the existing balance in the bank account.
  • All spending will be deducted directly from the amount in the account.
  • A payment card allows you pay first and repay later.
  • Credit card also has a credit limit – the maximum amount you can borrow on that card at any one time. You may be charged a fee if you go over your credit limit.
  • You may be charged interest on what you owe if you don't clear your balance in full maximum 45 days.
Spending limit
  • Less than or equal to the amount in the account.
  • You cannot make a payment if there is not enough money your card for the transaction.
  • Equal to the credit limit provided by the bank.
  • You can pay without having money in your credit card. Some banks allow overspending with a fee.
Function Cash withdrawal, money transfer, savings deposit, online payment…
  • Cash withdrawal
  • Pay for goods, bills, services... instead of cash
  • Spend instalment with 0-1% interest rate
Reach of use Domestic and overseas Domestic and overseas
Fees & interests

Fees and interests of debit card are regulated by each bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Transfer fee
  • Annual fee
  • Internet Banking/Mobile Banking service fee

Credit card typically has applicable fees and interest rates depending on the bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Annual fee
  • Branch banking and online banking service fees

Note that you have to pay high interest on late or incomplete credit card payments in the statement period.

A comparison table of debit card and credit card

Type of cards Definition Definition
Debit Card
  • A payment card instead of cash.
  • Cardholder can only spend and transact with the existing balance in the bank account.
  • All spending will be deducted directly from the amount in the account.
  • A payment card instead of cash.
  • Cardholder can only spend and transact with the existing balance in the bank account.
  • All spending will be deducted directly from the amount in the account.
Credit Card
  • A payment card allows you pay first and repay later.
  • Credit card also has a credit limit – the maximum amount you can borrow on that card at any one time. You may be charged a fee if you go over your credit limit.
  • You may be charged interest on what you owe if you don't clear your balance in full maximum 45 days.
  • A payment card allows you pay first and repay later.
  • Credit card also has a credit limit – the maximum amount you can borrow on that card at any one time. You may be charged a fee if you go over your credit limit.
  • You may be charged interest on what you owe if you don't clear your balance in full maximum 45 days.
Type of cards Spending limit Spending limit
Debit Card
  • Less than or equal to the amount in the account.
  • You cannot make a payment if there is not enough money your card for the transaction.
  • Less than or equal to the amount in the account.
  • You cannot make a payment if there is not enough money your card for the transaction.
Credit Card
  • Equal to the credit limit provided by the bank.
  • You can pay without having money in your credit card. Some banks allow overspending with a fee.
  • Equal to the credit limit provided by the bank.
  • You can pay without having money in your credit card. Some banks allow overspending with a fee.
Type of cards Function Function
Debit Card Cash withdrawal, money transfer, savings deposit, online payment… Cash withdrawal, money transfer, savings deposit, online payment…
Credit Card
  • Cash withdrawal
  • Pay for goods, bills, services... instead of cash
  • Spend instalment with 0-1% interest rate
  • Cash withdrawal
  • Pay for goods, bills, services... instead of cash
  • Spend instalment with 0-1% interest rate
Type of cards Reach of use Reach of use
Debit Card Domestic and overseas Domestic and overseas
Credit Card Domestic and overseas Domestic and overseas
Type of cards Fees & interests Fees & interests
Debit Card

Fees and interests of debit card are regulated by each bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Transfer fee
  • Annual fee
  • Internet Banking/Mobile Banking service fee

Fees and interests of debit card are regulated by each bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Transfer fee
  • Annual fee
  • Internet Banking/Mobile Banking service fee
Credit Card

Credit card typically has applicable fees and interest rates depending on the bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Annual fee
  • Branch banking and online banking service fees

Note that you have to pay high interest on late or incomplete credit card payments in the statement period.

Credit card typically has applicable fees and interest rates depending on the bank, including:

  • Withdrawal fee
  • Annual fee
  • Branch banking and online banking service fees

Note that you have to pay high interest on late or incomplete credit card payments in the statement period.

Explore more: HSBC Credit Cards

When should use debit card?

Should use a credit card or a debit card and whether to open a domestic debit card or an international debit card? Using which type of card completely depends on the needs of the cardholder and the reach of card usage.

While you can use both domestic and international debit card to pay for purchases online and in shops, knowing when it should be used could save your money. International debit card is suitable for money withdrawal or transfer… from local and overseas ATMs. Owning an international debit card will bring more conveniences, a wide range of card usage, meeting many needs with superior utilities.

For example, you can withdraw money from connected ATMs or shop in malls around the world by a Visa Debit card. In addition, you can also withdraw foreign currencies at a cash machine at a favorable exchange rate.

Everything is in one HSBC VISA Debit card. Register now!

Why should use HSBC Debit card?

HSBC debit card, in addition to basic features, also gives a convenient experience, integrating outstanding financial solutions especially when you link with a payroll account.

Fast and convenient

  • Make online purchases, local & overseas point-of-sale (POS) easily with contactless technology.
  • No need to carry cash with daily purchase limit up to 60 million.
  • Enjoy great discount from home&Away and Privilege Club
  • Free of first card issuance.
  • Receive fund transfer quickly via Visa network, with only your debit card number.
  • Non face-to-face debit card opening for Vietnamese customers applying payroll account.

Easy cash advance

  • Free of charge for cash withdrawals at HSBC ATMs in Vietnam.
  • Daily ATM cash withdrawal limit up to VND 20 million.
  • Worldwide access to ATMs with VISA/PLUS® logo.

Secure

  • Your card never has to leave your hand when making a payment at readers with contactless features.
  • High security with chip card technology and 3D Secure (SMS OTP).
  • SMS Alert Service provides you with accurate, instant alerts about your transactions on debit card and account linked to card.
  • Service to turn on/off online transactions and overseas POS transactions.

Instant transfer NAPAS 247

  • Add new payees to transfer money and conveniently save your payees for quick setup in the next transfers.
  • Share payment details with the payee easily.
  • Easy and secure, transfer in just a few simple steps.
     

HSBC Debit card and HSBC Visa Platinum Debit card have many outstanding features. See which card is right for you.

The information about the debit card has been compiled through the following article. Are you ready to register for an international debit card and enjoy outstanding offers? APPLY NOW

Find out more: How to use an HSBC Debit card