What is a debit card: what is it for and how to choose

Bank cards are becoming increasingly widespread and it is now difficult to find a person who has never used them. However, out of ignorance, many all plastic cards are called credit cards, but not all cards allow you to use bank money. Such naming errors arise from the fact that even holders often do not know what a debit bank card is and how it differs from a credit bank card. Let's consider the simplest option - a debit card, which does not allow you to take out loans from the bank, but makes it possible to make non-cash payments using funds from your account.

Select debit card

What does a debit card mean?

Plastic ensures the use of client funds that are stored in his bank account. Replenishment is possible:

• independently in cash through an ATM, by transfer from another account in the same or a third-party bank;
• other individuals (relatives, friends);
• organization (employer, pension authorities).

A debit card does not allow for debt payments. Exceptions are authorized and unauthorized overdrafts, which we will discuss in the article.

Debit card account

It is necessary to distinguish:

• card number – 16-20 digits printed on its front side;
• current account number – 20 characters, which can be seen in the agreement with the bank, in your personal account, in the details.

Operations are performed using both details. For the card to stop working, all you need to do is call the bank’s hotline. To close an account, an application, usually in the prescribed form, is required.

When the plastic card is blocked, the money remains in the account and can be managed through the cash register or through your personal online account. The exception is prepaid cards. Several cards can be issued for one account.

Why and what is it needed for?

Plastic allows you to use non-cash payments instead of regular money. Automating the process reduces the time it takes to receive and transfer money. There are no cash collection costs.

Features of debit cards

Application options:

• payment at checkouts in retail outlets where there are card terminals;
• receiving transfers from individuals, organizations, including from an employer or pension authority;
• sending transfers using an account or card number;
• shopping in online stores;
• transactions with an account through an ATM;
• access to Internet banking, which allows you to manage and control your account from your home computer.

Main differences from credit cards

Unlike debit plastic, a credit card allows you to use bank money. The holder spends on credit, then repays it on the terms agreed upon in the service agreement. If there are no violations in payment terms, the available balance is restored.

The main purpose of a credit card is cashless payment for purchases. It is possible to receive money from an ATM for many products. But, this service is paid in most cases, so that clients do not abuse borrowed funds in order to make a profit.

Let's face the map

To understand the question of how to use a plastic means of payment, let’s study its front and back sides. What information do they give us?

How to use a debit card?

Before withdrawing cash, make sure you choose an ATM from your “home” bank. Withdrawals from “foreign” ATMs are often accompanied by a commission. Insert the payment instrument into the card reader and strictly follow the instructions written on the screen or voiced.

When paying for goods or services provided, hand the card to the cashier or insert it into the terminal yourself. If it is equipped with PayPass technology, then simply touch it to the terminal to read the information. Enter your PIN if required. Sometimes you need to sign a check or a terminal window.

When making transactions online, just log in to your personal account on the bank’s website or log into the mobile application on your smartphone. Be prepared for additional verification when transferring a large amount of money. There may be a call from the bank and a series of questions that will help identify you and prove the voluntary nature of the operation.

A couple of months ago I paid for a training course in the amount of 9,000 rubles. The payment did not go through. Within one minute the bank called me and asked me to answer questions. Some of them made me really strain and remember the necessary information. For example, at what address did I last withdraw money from an ATM?

If you no longer need your debit card and want to close it, you must do this at a bank branch. You won’t be able to simply forget about it, because the bank will continue to write off the annual service. And this threatens you with going into the red.

Card currency

The account to which the card is issued can be in Russian or foreign currency. In it, the bank records transactions. When paying in other conventional units, the system automatically converts the amount. The exchange rate often differs unfavorably from the internal one at the bank.

When planning large payments in foreign stores, it is worth considering card options that are linked to an account in the currency of interest. The client independently exchanges money and replenishes the balance with it. Write-offs occur without unnecessary conversions.

Multicurrency

The option allows the client to open several current accounts in different currencies and attach a card to the desired one. When replenishing, conversion occurs at the internal rate. You can change the binding multiple times.

Validity

A common option is a duration of 3 years. With the growing popularity of contactless payment, many banks began to issue plastic for 5 years.

Causes:

• more expensive production;
• Reduced wear and tear due to the absence of the need to constantly insert the card into the terminals.

Instant products often have a 2-year expiration date upon release. They lie in the bank awaiting issue for up to one year.

Prepaid and virtual cards are usually issued for a shorter period than personalized plastic, for example, from 6 to 12 months or less.

Quick loan to a bank card: how to urgently apply for money online

The speed of obtaining a microloan is one of the key factors by which borrowers make their choice in favor of a particular product. For many, the ability to urgently apply for a loan on a card without refusal and instantly receive money to solve urgent financial problems is often a decisive factor.

In this section we give examples of quick loans that can be obtained as quickly as possible.

LIME: profitable and angry

The Lime-Loan service from the MFC of the same name allows you to apply for an urgent microloan and receive money instantly to a card or e-wallet. More than 90% of applications are processed automatically within 2 minutes, and 98% of loans are issued within 10 minutes after application. The service operates around the clock.

Offer characteristics:

• amount – from 2 thousand to 70 thousand rubles;
• rate – 1% per day;
• term - from 10 to 40 days (for loans up to 20 thousand rubles), from 6 to 24 weeks (over 20 thousand rubles).

Get →

Pros:

• high approval rate
• loyalty program for regular customers (rate reduction)
• first loan at 0% (up to 10 thousand rubles) using promotional code 10KFREE

Disadvantages of a microloan: proof of income is required.

Zaimer: I, robot

Loaner is an online loan robot from the MFC of the same name. The service promises to issue loans to any credit history, specifying that it does not attach “great importance” to it. It works in fully automatic mode, checks the application in 5 minutes and instantly transfers money to the card.

Microloan terms:

• amount – from 2 thousand to 30 thousand rubles;
• interest rate – 1% per day;
• period – from 7 to 30 days.

Take a loan →

Advantages of the offer:

• fast registration via the Internet
• available to applicants from 18 to 75 years old, students, pensioners
• You can re-apply after a refusal within a week.
• authorization is possible through an account on the State Services portal

The downside of the service is the increased rate for the CI correction program.

24/7 loans with FastMoney

The online service from MCC Fastmoney.ru allows you to apply for an express loan at any time of the day. Borrowers with bad credit history are encouraged to improve it. The service promises that filling out an application will take no more than 3 minutes.

Main program parameters:

• amount – from 3 thousand to 30 thousand rubles;
• rate – 1% per day;
• period – from 7 to 30 days.

Checkout →

Advantages of the service:

• high probability of loan approval
• Efficiency of application processing
• CI rehabilitation mode

Payment systems

Card payments are provided by organizations, computer programs, equipment, and people. Their work is united in a network called the payment system. The most famous are international Visa and MasterCard. They operate in more than 200 countries around the world. In Russia they are accepted everywhere except Crimea (due to sanctions). The company's management is located in the USA.

It is believed that Visa is suitable for payments in dollars, MasterCard – in euros. In these currencies, payment systems take into account the movement of funds when leaving Russia.

In recent years, cards from both payment systems have appeared, which are adapted to the currencies of different countries. Information must be clarified in a specific bank for the selected product.

MIR is a Russian system. Card servicing has been carried out relatively recently - since 2020. You can pay and cash out throughout the Russian Federation, in Armenia, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.

ATM operations are carried out in Belarus, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The service area is gradually being expanded. An important function of MIR is to provide cashless payments in Crimea, where other payment systems do not work.

JCB is a Japanese payment system. It is one of the largest and oldest in the world. In Russia, active work began to develop with the advent of the MIR system. Banks issue MIR-JCB co-branded cards, which work in our country in the Russian system, and when traveling abroad - in JCB. This beneficially expands the coverage area of ​​the national plastic.

UnionPay is a Chinese system operating in more than 160 countries around the world. Cards are accepted in Russia, but not everywhere. The product is of interest to visitors to China, since it is not possible to pay with Visa and MasterCard everywhere in the country. In Russian banks there are interesting offers of co-branded MIR-UnionPay cards.

Why do you need debit plastic?

The first reason to sign up for a payment instrument is convenience. You will no longer need to look for space in your bag for a bulky wallet. The card takes up little space and easily fits in your pocket. Other reasons are:

• you can pay both in the Russian Federation and abroad (Visa and MastrCard);
• security - without knowing the PIN or not having a linked phone number, attackers who have obtained the plastic will not be able to use it;
• there is a possibility of blocking the plastic at any time;
• benefit - many banks practice, when connected, a small percentage of the untouched amount is transferred to the card.

Debit cards are a great tool for receiving paychecks.

Types of debit cards

Depending on the purpose of use, plastic has different tariffs and transaction limits.

Payment

The card is issued at the client’s initiative when applying independently. The applicant chooses the bank and product at his own discretion.

It should be taken into account that usually with an increase in the cost of service:

• the available limits on payments and transfers are increasing;
• bonuses increase;
• The amount of non-cash payment required to receive benefits increases.

Salary

By law, employees of commercial organizations have the right to receive salaries on any debit card of any bank. State employees have access to payments to MIR or to an account not linked to plastic. Banks offer free tariffs for salary earners, as they are interested in clients with regular account turnover.

In practice, many experience difficulties when trying to receive money on a card they like. Organizations independently choose a bank and organize automated payments.

In order for an individual employee to receive a salary through another bank, a separate agreement is required, an additional payment twice a month. Accountants do not like to do this and convince people to abandon the initiative.

Pension

Payments from the budget are the most stable. The terms of service in all banks are favorable:

• free card;
• increased interest on savings, including on a card account.

To receive pension plastic, you need to confirm your right to payment. After registration, you must submit an application to the pension authorities for a transfer using new details. Otherwise, after some time (usually 2-3 months), the preferential conditions will no longer apply.

You can receive your pension on any MIR card or in ways without using plastic (to an account or in cash). Pension rates are the most favorable for income levels within the average and slightly higher. Wealthy citizens with savings of more than one and a half million make sense to consider alternative offers - premium ones.

For social payments

Receiving benefits is possible on a MIR card of any bank, including salary and pension cards. There is a separate product - preferential plastic with free maintenance and a basic set of functions. Sometimes you can get a social discount at the bank’s partner stores.

Virtual

Imitation of a regular card without issuing a plastic carrier. The client receives a full set of details sufficient for non-cash payment via the Internet:

• card number;
• validity;
• secret code.

Most virtual machines are unnamed. If the holder's name is requested during payment (for example, in an online store), you can indicate yourself. The system will be satisfied with any spelling in Latin letters.

Sberbank debit cards - types and cost of service in 2019

The range of personalized debit plastic from this bank is so wide that, probably, everyone will find something suitable for themselves. Let's take a closer look at them.

Card with big bonuses

A special feature of this product is the opportunity to receive a high percentage of cashback through the THANK YOU bonus program from Sberbank: up to 10% bonuses from the bank itself and up to 20% from partner stores.
According to the THANK YOU program from Sberbank, bonus cashback is awarded when paying in stores, supermarkets, gas stations and Yandex.Taxi. One bonus is equal to one ruble.

For a year of use, the payment will be 4900 rubles.

You can withdraw up to 500 thousand rubles per day through ATMs and cash desks. no commission.

Gold card Visa, MIR, Mastercard

Using it you can receive up to 5% bonuses under the THANK YOU program from the bank and up to 20% from partners.
The price for maintenance per year is 3,000 rubles.

It is permissible to withdraw up to 300,000 rubles free of charge per day without commission in branches and ATMs.

Aeroflot Gold Card

The cash withdrawal limit per day without commission is the same as the previous one.
It costs 3,500 rubles per year.

The special feature of this product is that you can receive miles under the Aeroflot Bonus program. Every 60 rubles spent on purchases earns you 1.5 miles. Thus, the accumulated miles are then exchanged for air tickets or improved quality of service.

Contactless payment is possible through Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Gold debit plastic card “Give Life”

This card product has the opportunity to participate in charity.
According to it, 0.3% of each purchase made goes to the Gift of Life fund, which is organized to help seriously ill children. The annual service fee is 4,000 rubles. in the first year and 3000 rubles. in each subsequent one.

Bonuses under the THANKS program and the daily withdrawal limit without commission are the same as for Visa Gold.

Classic Sberbank debit card

Issued in the payment systems MIR, Visa and Mastercard.
This debit product is the best in price and quality. For annual use, only 750 rubles are charged in the first year and 450 rubles from the second year.

For this product you can receive up to 20% THANK YOU bonuses from partners.

The limit for withdrawals without commission at ATMs and cash desks is 150,000 rubles.

Contactless payment available.

Classic with League of Legends design

The main difference is the ability to choose a design in the style of League of Legends.
The cost of design is 500 rubles, maintenance per year is 750 rubles. Issued in the Mastercard system.

Classic with a design to choose from

About 200 design options available.
The cost of the card is 500 rubles, servicing in the first year is 750 rubles, subsequent years – 450 rubles. Free cash withdrawal limit per day up to RUB 150,000. at ticket offices and ATMs.

Accrual of THANK YOU bonuses - up to 20% for partners.

VISA Classic debit card Aeroflot

The difference from Golden Aeroflot is that under the Aeroflot Bonus program, you are awarded for every 60 rubles spent.
1 mile. Price: 900 rub. in the first year and 600 rubles from the second.

The limit on free withdrawal per day is RUB 150,000. both at cash registers and at ATMs.

Classic debit card “Give Life”

0.3% of purchases goes to the Gift of Life fund.
The cost in the 1st year is 1000 rubles, subsequent years – 450 rubles.

Issue: Visa only.

The daily withdrawal limit without commission is 150,000 thousand at cash desks and the same amount at ATMs.

THANK YOU - 20%.

Youth card

Issued specifically for young people 14-25 years old, both Visa and Mastercard.
Costs 150 rubles per year.

The limit is standard.

THANK YOU bonuses: 0.5% from Sberbank and up to 10% from partners.

Read also:  How to make money out of thin air, or make money through intermediation

Youth with League of Legends design

Unlike a simple Molodezhnaya, you need to pay 500 rubles for the appropriate design.

Youth with a design to choose from

The difference is the availability of about 200 designs; ordering the desired one costs 500 rubles.
Bonuses THANK YOU - up to 20% for partners.

Visa Aeroflot Signature

A distinctive feature is the accrual of 2 miles for every 60 rubles spent on purchases.
Cost per year – 12,000 rubles.

The limit on free withdrawal is RUB 500,000. at cash desks and the same amount at ATMs.

Visa Platinum “Give Life”

0.3% of purchases goes to charity.
In the 1st year it costs 15,000 rubles, in the next - 10,000 rubles.

You can withdraw 500 thousand rubles per day without commission. in branches and ATMs.

THANK YOU bonuses: 0.5% from the bank and up to 20% from partners.

PBC CSKA fan card

With this card you have the opportunity to order plastic with an individual design for 500 rubles.
In the first year it costs 750 rubles, in subsequent years it costs 450 rubles.

The plastic has a built-in non-financial identifier that allows you to record a PBC CSK season ticket on it and then attend the team’s matches with it.

Sberbank - debit cards for individuals without annual maintenance

Sberbank also issues a number of cards for which the annual fee is not charged.

Plastic "MIR" for pensioners

This product is issued to pensioners for crediting their pension.
You can also receive a variety of social benefits with it. A significant advantage is that the bank charges interest to the owner on the deposit in the amount of 3.5% per annum.

Cashback THANK YOU is 0.5% from the bank and up to 20% from partner stores.

You can cash out RUB 50,000 within 24 hours for free. at ATMs and ticket offices.

Digital Visa

Virtual product without plastic carrier. For payments on the Internet and contactless payment in stores.

Instant (momentum)

The peculiarity is that it can be obtained immediately, at the time of contacting a bank branch.
The plastic is not personalized, so there is no need to wait for issue and delivery, as is the case with personalized cards). A certain number of such plastic products is always in the department and can be issued to the client right at the time of request. The issue is free. May belong to PS /Visa, Mastercard or MIR.

The withdrawal limit is the same as a pension card.

Sberbank currency debit card

In addition to cards in national currency, Sberbank also issues plastic:

• in US dollars;
• Euro.

Currency cards in Sberbank can be card products of Visa and Mastercard payment systems.

Including:

• Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard: regular, individually designed and contactless;
• Aeroflot;
• GOLD;
• Platinum;
• Signature;
• Momentum.

How and where to use it?

The card itself can replace cash when paying for purchases at retail outlets that have terminals for non-cash transactions. In Russia and Western countries there are a majority of them.

Plastic details allow:

• pay in online stores;
• receive transfers from relatives and friends;
• make donations to charitable organizations, etc.

Using account details, money transfers are received from individuals and legal entities, including from an employer or a pension fund.

All types of debit cards, with the exception of some prepaid ones (analogues of gift certificates), provide access to the Internet bank and operations in it:

• opening and closing accounts;
• transfers within the bank and to accounts in other organizations;
• payment of utilities and other services;
• control of the movement of own funds;
• transactions with foreign currency, securities;
• submitting applications for bank products, etc.

Payment offline

Outwardly, the difference between the operation and the usual payment in a store is hardly noticeable. The peculiarities lie in the processes that occur inside the terminal. The device is not connected to the Internet and cannot receive instant payment confirmation. It “remembers” the details before establishing a connection with the global network and with the client’s bank.

There are very few offline terminals in Russia. They are often found abroad. Therefore, when traveling, you should carry with you a card with data stamped on the front side - embossed. Media on which letters and numbers are simply written are not accepted for offline payment.

Via terminals

The device is universal and offers several options for paying by card at the checkout:

• swiping with a magnetic stripe;
• contactless data reading;
• room inside the terminal.

Cards support all of the above methods or some of them.

Contactless

Modern technologies allow you to pay by holding your plastic card or smartphone to the terminal. The technology is called NFC, which stands for and translates as “near field communication.” The terminal reads a radio signal when a means of payment approaches.

You can learn about maintaining contactless operation by the icon on the plastic, on the body of the device, on the screen - 3-4 arcs, schematically depicting a radio wave.

Card with NFC

A special module is found on most modern cards. The payment process looks something like this:

1. the cashier punches the goods;
2. the amount lights up on the display;
3. the buyer brings the plastic to the terminal;
4. the system requests a PIN if the amount is higher than the established amount (from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the type of plastic and the store);
5. the buyer receives a receipt confirming the completed transaction.

The likelihood of accidental or fraudulent write-off is minimized thanks to:

• short time allowed for presentation of the carrier – a few seconds;
• the minimum distance required for reading – less than 10 cm, often 3-5 cm;
• individual code for each operation;
• strict accounting by banks of devices capable of reading the signal;
• opportunity to protest the operation.

The card can be used at ATMs equipped with NFC technology. Bring the plastic towards the module instead of pushing it inside. The device will ask for a PIN code, further work is no different from the traditional method.

Using a smartphone

If your phone supports NFC technology, you can install an application for contactless payment - Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, depending on the program on your device. An intuitive menu will help you create an electronic wallet.

You can add cards to it by entering their details. Subsequently, upon presentation of a smartphone with an active application, money will be debited from the account of the selected debit card.

Payment for purchases on the Internet

Almost all debit cards allow you to pay online. To perform the operation, fill out the fields of the proposed form:

• number – on the front side;
• validity;
• verification code – last 3 digits on the reverse side;
• the holder's name is not always required; for unnamed cards you can specify any name;
• name of the issuing bank - rarely requested, if necessary, write it off from the card or website.

If you have difficulties with payment, please make sure that:

• the website accepts your payment system (for example, many foreign stores do not work with MIR, while Russian stores do not work with American Express and others);
• there is enough money on the card;
• details are entered correctly.

Be aware of the increased risk of fraud on unknown sites and resources with a dubious reputation. If you need to pay, you should use a card that does not receive regular deposits. Many people prefer to use free virtual media for these purposes.

How to use your card safely

To avoid losing money, you must follow simple rules for using a bank card:

1. Do not write the PIN code on the plastic. Also, you should not keep it in your wallet next to the card or disclose it to third parties, even if they introduced themselves as a bank employee.
2. If you lose your card, immediately report it to your financial institution. The employee will block the account and submit an application for reissue.
3. Do not give the card to third parties and do not provide them with details (number, expiration date, CVV/CVC code).
4. Do not let the plastic out of sight while making a payment.

Interest on balance

Banks often reward you for storing money in a card account with charges similar to a deposit with monthly interest payments. Conditions for receiving vary, for example:

• maintaining a minimum turnover for payment for purchases;
• minimum balance;
• use of bank products (salary, pension account, loans, deposits, brokerage services, etc.).

To calculate the amount of interest, the balance can be taken into account:

• for every day of the month;
• monthly average;
• minimum for the period.

Let's look at examples. Let’s assume that our plastic card accrues 4% per annum on the balance. During the 30 days of the period, the following funds were on the account:

• 15 days 10000;
• 10 days 20000;
• 5 days 7000.

Accruals for daily balance:

10000 x 4% / 365 days. x 15 days = 16.44 rub.;

20,000 x 4% / 365 x 10 = 21.92 rubles;

7000 x 4% / 365 x 5 = 3.84 rubles.

For the period 16.44 + 21.92 + 3.84 = 42.20 rubles.

The method for calculating the average monthly balance is different, but the result is the same:

(15 days x 10000 + 10 days x 20000 + 5 days x 7000) / 30 days = 12833.33 rub. – average amount on the account for the period;

12833.33 x 4% /365 days. x 30 days = 42.19 rub.

The difference is noticeable when calculating the interest on the minimum balance:

7000 rub. – minimum amount per month in our example;

7000 x 4% / 365 * 30 = 23.01 rub. – accruals for the period.

If one day there was no money in the account, the result would be:

• would decrease by 1-2 rubles if the calculation methods were based on the average for the period and on the daily balance;
• would be zero for charges on the minimum amount.

Closing the card

Despite the fact that the debit card account contains personal funds (and not bank funds), due to its uselessness it is necessary to go through the procedure of closing the account. This condition is mandatory, for which the client must contact the branch. If the client does not close the card and also stops using it, then as a result, a round sum of service fees will be charged over several years. This amount must be repaid in order to be able to close the account.

Sberbank is not only the first bank in Russia, but also the most popular. This bank has a large network of branches, as well as ATMs and terminals throughout Russia, which allows it to provide maximum comfort in servicing its customers. Each client individually decides what type of plastic to use, as well as whether this service is needed for him.

Overdraft

The option represents an expenditure of bank funds. The balance goes into minus. This can happen by prior agreement between the client and the bank and automatically without agreement.

Participants in salary projects and users of premium service packages often receive an overdraft offer from their financial institution. The service allows you to borrow money, but has a number of differences from other credit products:

An unauthorized (technical) overdraft is formed for the actual services provided by the bank.

For example:

• exchange rate difference after processing a transaction in foreign currency;
• service fee.

Overdraft: real benefit or unpleasant surprise?

The bank may allow you to use his money (overdraft). There are permitted and unauthorized (technical) overdrafts.

Permitted overdraft. As a rule, this service is offered by the bank after studying the client’s solvency for several months. It is a short-term mini-loan. If you do not have enough money in your account to make a payment, an overdraft gives you the right to pay off the missing amount at the expense of the bank. Of course, not for free.

Another case is an unauthorized (technical) overdraft. To avoid unexpectedly ending up in debt, let's understand this concept. Cases of technical overdraft:

1. When withdrawing cash from an ATM of a “foreign” bank, a fee may be charged, which will be deducted from your current account. If you don’t have enough funds, you will go into the red.
2. When making payments abroad with a ruble card, an exchange rate difference is created, which must also be paid.
3. Periodic annual maintenance fees are automatically charged by the bank.
4. For some standard payments there is no mandatory authorization. In this case, the amount is debited without requesting information about the account balance.

Thus, it is possible to go into the red with a debit card. Therefore, you should always have a small balance on it (within 500 rubles) in order to repay the debt in a timely manner. If you often have to resort to borrowed funds, then it is better to get a credit card that provides a grace period without interest for using “other people’s” money.

Cashback

For non-cash payment by card, banks often reward customers with a refund of part of the funds spent. The rules of loyalty programs differ even for different products within the same bank.

Illustrative but not exhaustive examples of rules:

• accruals can be in rubles or points;
• basic cashback for any purchases is usually 0.5–1.5%;
• in certain categories (for example, gas stations, children's stores, travel and others) an increased return of 5–10% may apply;
• within the framework of promotions, bank partners pay up to 30% or more;
• You can use cashback to reimburse checks in full or in part, to pay with program partners, and other options;
• To receive interest, it is often necessary to fulfill the minimum conditions for non-cash payment for the month.

There is a pattern in cashback programs: the greater the trading turnover per month, the higher the return percentage. At the same time, there is usually a limit on accruals.

Bonuses

The payment system and the bank have partners among stores, air carriers, tour operators, hotels, sporting event organizers and thousands of other companies.

They offer plastic holders bonuses in various forms, for example:

• discounts (most often within 10%);
• room upgrade;
• free transfers and more.

The more expensive the card, the more bonuses are available on it.

1.4. Credit card

Credit card transactions can only be carried out using funds provided by the issuing bank to the client within the established limit (paragraph 3, clause 1.5 of Regulation No. 266-P

). Operations cannot be performed at the client’s own expense.

Main characteristics of the credit card:

1) an account is opened for the client to issue a credit card;

2) the card can be either registered or unnamed (instant issue);

3) operations are carried out on behalf of the client and only at the expense of funds provided by the bank within the established limit;

4) the client has access to any operations, with the exception of non-cash transfers, for which banks very often establish restrictions or prohibitions.

Cash deposits and withdrawals

Transactions are available at ATMs that have the designation of the corresponding payment system. The cost of services may vary. Most banks allow you to receive and deposit cash without commission at their own ATMs.

When reading the terms of service, pay attention to the following tariff items:

• availability of partner ATMs;
• commission in third-party terminals;
• monthly and daily limits on deposits and withdrawals;
• other methods of free cash withdrawal and replenishment, for example, interbank transfer, the presence/absence of a commission for donation (drawing money through a third-party bank’s mobile application to its card).

Some banks inform about free issuance worldwide. Often this means that there is no commission on the part of the issuer.

Advantages and disadvantages

If a user contacts a bank to issue a debit card, he expects to receive certain benefits from the payment instrument. You should take into account the fact that plastic has both advantages and disadvantages. The first includes:

• the service is free or inexpensive;
• 100% positive response from the bank when applying;
• cash withdrawal without overpayments;
• the ability to issue a card with interest accrued on the balance;
• prospects for joining bonus programs.

The disadvantages of debit cards include:

• there is no way to borrow money;
• technical overdraft;
• high commissions when withdrawing funds through third-party ATMs;
• there is a limit on withdrawal amounts.

How to get a card?

The exact procedure depends on the selected product and credit institution. The client submits an application and agrees on the place of receipt. The bank informs about the production time. Courier delivery is gaining popularity and is sometimes available for free.

Terms of service

Details are specified in the rules of service, tariffs, and other accompanying documents. Cards can be issued as independent products or as part of a service package. There may be an annual, monthly or no service fee.

A popular condition has become free for a certain amount of purchases during the period or a minimum balance. When ordering plastic, there may be a choice of payment system, tariff, or there may be only one option.

Requirements

Debits during registration give access only to the client’s own funds. Therefore, to obtain it, it is usually enough to comply with legal formalities. Many banks do not even require Russian citizenship or permanent registration.

It is necessary to confirm legal stay in the country. It is important that your data does not coincide with those from the “black lists”, for example, terrorists, gross violators.

For many products, a mandatory requirement for registration is the presence of a valid cell phone. One-time passwords are sent via SMS to confirm transactions.

From what age

By law, you can issue a license in your own name from the age of 14.

There are offers for parents to open an additional children's card to their main one. This can usually be done from the age of 7.

Premium plastic is often only available from the age of 18.

Documentation

For citizens of the Russian Federation, a passport with a registration mark is sufficient. When registering, foreigners may require additional documents in accordance with international financial control requirements.

Apply now

The universal way is to visit the bank. You can order and receive a card at the office. If necessary, the employee can ask clarifying questions about what a debit card means, what are the details of the tariffs, etc.

There are often additional design options available, for example:

• You can get a salary card through the accounting department at work;
• a universal payment or pension plan is often offered to be pre-ordered via the Internet;
• virtual products are issued from any computer with Internet access without the need to meet with employees.

In any case, the client:

• provides his personal information and contacts;
• consents to their processing;
• confirms familiarization with the rules and tariffs of service.

Debit or credit card: how to check?

A modern person may have several cards from different banks, intended for different purposes. For example, salary, savings or currency. A situation is possible when the owner simply forgot which card he has is debit and which is credit. A mistake can be very costly. After all, both are payment instruments, but for different accounts.

A debit card is the key to your personal money in your bank account. In order to remove “something”, you need to put that “something” down. A credit card is the key to “other people’s” funds that the bank gives you and not only wants to get them back, but also to make money on it.

But how does a debit card differ from a credit card in this case? How to check? Unfortunately, this is almost impossible to do visually. Very rarely, Debet or Credit may be written on the front side. All other signs that are actively discussed on the Internet do not apply to all cards without exception. Therefore, I suggest using simple but proven methods:

• look at the information in the agreement that you entered into when you issued the card;
• go to the bank branch where the card was received and find out for yourself its type;
• call the hotline and ask a question;
• on the bank’s official website, view all the cards it issues and compare with yours.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's summarize the main advantages of debit cards:

• availability of free offers;
• access to online shopping;
• simplicity of design;
• speed and accuracy of calculations;
• receiving bonuses from the bank and from the payment system;
• the likelihood of losing money from a card is lower than in cash.

Features that may interfere with comfortable use:

• availability of limits on transactions;
• commissions;
• requirements of Federal Law No. 115 to counter the laundering of criminal proceeds - banks are required to block accounts until the legality of income over 600 thousand is clarified; they have the right to restrict access to smaller amounts if they doubt the transparency of transactions; in combination with personal liability reinsurance and low-skilled personnel, conditions may be unbearable;
• shortcomings in the work of individual banks (imposition of services, technical failures, etc.).

Types of bank cards

A credit institution has the right to issue the following types of bank cards for individuals: settlement (debit), credit and prepaid cards (clauses 19, 26, Article 3 of the Federal Law of June 27, 2011 No. 161-FZ “On the National Payment System”

;
clause 1.5 of the Regulations, approved. Bank of Russia December 24, 2004 No. 266-P “On the issue of payment cards and on transactions performed using them”
(hereinafter referred to as
Regulation No. 266-P
)).

Let's look at these cards in more detail.