A debit card is a great way to conveniently access your funds and pay for things with ease. With a PFCU debit card, teens can learn to spend, save, and manage your money better from the start.

What is a debit card? 

Debit cards are a way to pay for things. You get a debit card from your bank or credit union when you open a checking account. Sometimes a debit card is free to use. Sometimes you will pay a fee to use the card.

Debit cards look like credit cards. But they do not work the same way. Credit cards use money that you borrow. Debit cards use money that is already in your checking account.

How do debit cards work?

When you open a checking account at a bank or credit union, you usually get a debit card. A debit card lets you spend money from your checking account without writing a check. 

• You can use your deibt card to buy things online or in a store.
  • Swipe the card or instore and enter your PIN
  • Upload your PFCU debit card to your mobile wallet and pay directly from your mobile device
  • Supply your card information online to pay for purchases 
• You can use it at an ATM to get cash. Debit cards take money out of your checking account immediately.

When you pay with a debit card, the money comes out of your checking account immediately. There is no bill to pay later.

Need a checking account? Apply here

What is a PIN?

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the key to accessing your account through an ATM. Your PIN should be a unique series of numbers that you can remember and keep confidential at all times.

How do I know where I used my debit card?

Your bank or credit union gives you access to your account through online banking, in addtion to a “statement” every month, which you can have sent directly to your email.  Your online banking and monthly statement shows:

• where you paid with your debit card and how much you spent
• where you used the ATM, how much you withdrew, and what fees you paid
• who you wrote a check to and for how much

Your statement can help you track your spending and create a budget.

What if I use all the money in my checking account?

You might not have enough money in your checking account.  That means your debit card will be “declined.” You will not be able to buy things.

Some banks and credit unions might let you sign up for “overdraft protection.” That means you can use your debit card even when you do not have enough money to pay for the things you are buying. But you might have to pay a fee to the bank. Some banks might charge this fee for every purchase until you put enough money in your account to pay for the things you are buying.

_{Learn more at consumer.gov}