How to Use a Debit Card to Make Purchases at a Store

A debit card is a bank card that resembles a credit card. When it is used to make a purchase, however, the money is taken directly from a person's checking or savings account. The deduction may occur in as little as 24 hours. Individuals who prefer not to write checks, but also don't want to carry cash commonly use debit cards.

Instructions

1

Gather the items you want to purchase and proceed to checkout.

2

Present your debit card to the cashier. If there is a card scanner near the register, she may request that you swipe your card.

3

Swipe the magnetic strip side of the card through the scanning part of the machine. You will generally see a small image on the machine that will show you how to insert your card and what direction your card should face as you swipe it.

4

Decide whether you want to run the card as a debit or credit card when the scanner prompts you on its screen. If you choose to run it as a debit card, you will typically have to provide your personal identification number, or PIN, before you complete your transaction.

5

Prepare to show your driver's license if you have chosen to run the debit card as a credit card. For protection, stores will commonly ask for identification if the purchase is over $50. Some stores may ask for identification, regardless of the purchase size.

6

Sign the merchant's copy of your purchase. Stores typically have you sign one copy for them and give you a second copy for your records.