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How to apply for a debit card? Things to consider when using it

Using a debit card will help your shopping payment become safer and more convenient.

In this article, we will go through 2 basic types of bank card, learn about how to apply for a debit card and things to consider when using it.

Types of bank cards

There are two basic types of bank cards – credit card and debit card.

Credit card

A credit card is a tool that lets you buy something now and pay for it later. The company that issues the card pays for your purchases up front, trusting that you will pay them back later.

Debit card

A 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 also two types of debit cards:

  • Domestic debit card: used to pay for only domestic products and services. 
  • International debit card: has the same usage as domestic debit card but has a global reach. 

 

If you want to have a credit card online, you can read How to apply for an HSBC credit card online. We will now learn about the way to apply for a debit card, and things to consider when using it.

How to apply for a debit card

The procedure to open a debit card is relatively simple, you just need to meet a few conditions and prepare the required documents to register to open a card.

Conditions and procedures

Most banks apply relatively similar conditions for opening debit card to their customers. You can apply for a debit with the following criteria:

  • Vietnamese citizen 18 years or older.
  • Having a need to use a debit card, meeting the conditions for card issuance and use prescribed by law.
  • Have proof such as ID card for Vietnamese citizens.
  • Open a bank account.

(For foreigners: require some other necessary documents according to current regulations)

Customers who register to open an HSBC bank account linked with payroll account that be able to open an HSBC Debit card for free along with many other privileges from the EBS Payroll account.

How to apply for HSBC Debit card

You can apply to open a HSBC Debit card by 3 following steps:

  • Step 1: Simply open an HSBC Current Account at one of HSBC branches or open online (applicable for Vietnamese open payroll accounts).
  • Step 2: Request for an HSBC Debit Card when completing the Account Opening Form, or fill out the HSBC Debit Card form if you already have a VND account. (Please be noted that you have to comply all current requirements of the bank for debit card issuance)
  • Step 3: A new debit card instantly and the default SMS PIN will be issued by the bank if all requirements of debit card issuance is satisfied.

Normally, you will receive your debit card 5 to 7 days after receiving the approval notice to open HSBC debit card at the bank. After receiving the card, please compose a message according to the instructions to receive the PIN code.

How much to open a debit card?

Each bank has different debit card application fee as well as processing fee, and some banks being free including HSBC.

In addition, HSBC Debit cardholder has to pay an annual fee applicable to transaction notification message service for debit and card-linked accounts with a fee is VND 110,000/ year.

For details, please refer to the prevailing tariff here.

A few things to consider

Besides outstanding features, there are some points to help you use debit card more effectively, which are:

  • The PIN number must be kept strictly confidential. Cardholders may not disclose your PIN to anyone under any circumstances, whether voluntarily or not.
  • The cardholder's account will be debited with the amount of any withdrawal, transfer, payment and/or other transactions effected by use of the debit card.
  • You should maintain sufficient funds in the cardholder's account for payment of such transactions. Keep in mind - you shall not be entitled to make any transactions of which the amount exceeds the current balance of the cardholder's account or exceeds the overdraft limit (if any) as agreed by the bank.
  • In case of loss, theft or misuse of the HSBC debit card and/or PIN (jointly referred to as "misused card"), you must report to the bank immediately via:

    Contact HSBC Contact Center:

    (84 28) 37 247 247 (in the South);

    (84 24) 62 707 707 (in the North);

    (84 28) 37 247 666 for HSBC Premier Platinum Cardholders.

How to use HSBC Debit card

As a security feature, the debit card will be ready for use once it is activated. In order to activate the debit card, the cardholder is required to follow instructions attached with the card at the time of insurance.

The debit card is accepted at HSBC Group ATMs and at ATMs of banks worldwide, which are members of the Visa ATM network.

Cash deposited at the Bank's Multi-function ATMs by use of the Debit card will only be credited to the cardholder's account upon the cardholder's confirmation at the multi-function ATM that the deposited amount is correct.

The debit card will be accepted only at the merchant having an electronic point of sale swipe terminal (POS) and online payment gates which have been registered for online transactions with Visa.

The cardholder may apply for SMS Notification Service for debit card transactions such as cash withdrawal at ATMs, cash deposit at multi-function ATMs, payments at merchant establishments, or purchase transactions via online payments gates registered with Visa.

Cash advance from a debit card

You can use a debit card to withdraw cash from your account, or pay at online payment gateways that have registered for online transactions with Visa or at units that use electronic card readers (POS) with international debit card.

If withdrawing cash or making payment transactions overseas, note that you will be charged a conversion fee set by your bank.

What is debit card limit?

Debit card has different usage limits depending on the regulations of the bank.

HSBC allows daily cash withdrawal limit is VND 20,000,000/day for HSBC Debit card and VND 30,000,000/day for HSBC Visa Platinum Debit card.

Daily transfer limit within card (between linked accounts) is VND 100,000,000/day.

For more details on HSBC Debit Card, please refer to Debit Card Limits.

In summary, you’ve learned about types of bank cards, how to apply for a debit card and ways to optimize its outstanding features so that you can make your transactions effectively. Open an HSBC Debit card online to receive exceptional offers. APPLY NOW.