What is a debit card? How it works and your protections
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
A debit card lets you pay with money that is already in your account. When you use it, the amount comes out of your balance, usually within a day or two.
Debit, credit and prepaid
- Debit card: spends money from your own account.
- Credit card: spends money you borrow and pay back later.
- Prepaid card: spends money you load onto the card first.
Paying in shops and online
Debit cards work in shops, online and abroad wherever the card network (such as Visa or Mastercard) is accepted. In the UK, a single contactless payment can be up to £100; above that you insert the card and enter your PIN.
Your protection
If something you paid for by debit card doesn't arrive or isn't as described, you can ask your card provider for a chargeback. Section 75 protection, which covers some purchases between £100 and £30,000, applies to credit cards, not debit cards.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include branded Visa cards for your customers under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. SendPay tells you in writing which licences apply to your platform before you pay.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.