Using Debit Cards for Online Shopping

Debit Card is a small plastic electonic card looking very similar to credit cards. The important difference is that debit cards uses your savings account balance for payments.

There are two major types of debit cards. Online debit cards and Offline debit cards. Online debit cards uses Personal Identification Number [ PIN ] to authenitcate the system. Offline debit cards are not compatible with PIN system.

With online debit cards, the debit is immediately reflected on the account. Offline debit cards usually require 2-3 days to actually effect on the user's savings account.

Online debit cards are considered superior because the PIN system has more security than signature system, which is used in offline debit cards. However online debit cards has the disadvantage that at the point of sale seperate key pad is necessary.

Comparison: Debit Cards Vs Credit Cards