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How to use a debit card online

Pay for your purchases without stepping foot in a store, but understand the risks.

Using a debit card to pay online is a straightforward process as long as you’ve got the plastic handy and are comfortable making virtual transactions — though paying with a credit card may be safer.

How to use a debit card online

You’ll need to reference your physical debit card when using it to make a purchase online. After entering the digital shopping cart on the vendor’s website:

  1. Select your payment method. If “debit card” isn’t listed as a payment method, you can typically select “credit card” instead.
  2. Indicate the type of branded debit card you’ll be using, be it Mastercard or Visa debit.
  3. In some cases, you may be asked to enter your name as listed on the card. You’ll also need to include the billing address associated with your debit card.
  4. Enter the 16-digit number on the front of your card.
  5. Enter the expiration date listed below the 16-digit number.
  6. Flip your card over to find the CVV, which is a 3-digit number listed near your authorized signature. American Express cards have the CVV listed as 4 digits on the front of the card.
  7. Confirm your payment.
Debit card schema
1Debit card provider
216-digit card number
3Expiration date
4CVV

Do I have to use my full name when paying with a debit card online?

The name you enter should match your name as it appears on the debit card. Merchants use this to cross-check your information with the card provider’s records.

Is it safe to use a debit card online?

Using a debit card to pay online is generally safe as long as you have a secure connection. In 2019, online sales accounted for an estimated 9% of total retail sales in the Canada. Consequently, the safety infrastructure in place is growing stronger.

Here’s what you can do to verify security:

  • Check for the lock. There should be a lock icon in the upper-left corner of the search bar of your screen, next to the web address. This indicates that the site holds an SSL certificate and that the information you submit will be private.
  • Monitor your account. After making a debit card purchase online, review your account for suspicious activity.
  • Ensure a secure Internet connection. Best practice is to only make online payments when you’re on a secure and private internet connection, such as a home network. Public Wi-Fi at airports or coffee shops aren’t as safe.

Keep in mind that there are always risks associated with making debit card payments, and it’s likely easier for thieves to intercept your information online than in person. If hackers do get access to your debit card information, they could steal funds from your chequing account.

Paying via credit card vs. debit card online

In general, it’s less risky to use a credit card for everyday purchases because credit cards aren’t linked directly to your bank account. This means you can cancel a transaction before the money is withdrawn from your personal account.

Credit card companies tend to be more lenient with fraudulent transactions, with some providers offering zero-liability for their card holders meaning that you aren’t responsible for fraudulent activity if someone steals your card information. Some credit card providers also offer extended warranties on purchases.

If using a debit card is your only option to make a payment online, make sure you’re comfortable with the risks associated.

Compare accounts with debit cards

1 - 14 of 14
Name Product Monthly Account Fee Free Transactions e-Transfer Fee Bonus Offer Offer
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account
$0
unlimited
$0
Earn $400
Earn $400 when you become a new client and set up a direct deposit of at least $100 for 3 months. Offer ends June 30, 2023.
BMO Performance Chequing Account
BMO Performance Chequing Account
$16.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
Earn $400
Earn $350. Plus, earn an additional $50 when you add a second member and make it a BMO Family Bundle. Valid until July 3, 2023. Plus, earn a 4% bonus interest rate when you add a Savings Amplifier Account.
Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account
Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account
$0
unlimited
$1.50
Earn $400
Earn $400 when you become a new client. Plus, pay no monthly fees. Offer ends June 30, 2023.
National Bank Modest Chequing Account
National Bank Modest Chequing Account
$10.95 (can be waived)
30/month
$0
N/A
RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account
RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account
$16.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
Get an iPad Pro
Switch to an RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account and complete the criteria to receive an iPad Pro. Valid until July 31, 2023.
National Bank Connected Account
National Bank Connected Account
$15.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
N/A
RBC VIP Banking Account
RBC VIP Banking Account
$30 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
Get an iPad Pro
Switch to an RBC VIP Banking Account and complete the criteria to receive an iPad Pro. Valid until July 31, 2023.
BMO Premium Plan Chequing Account
BMO Premium Plan Chequing Account
$30 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
Earn $400
Earn $350 with a Premium Chequing Account. Plus, earn an additional $50 when you add a second member and make it a BMO Family Bundle. Valid until July 3, 2023. Plus, earn a 4% bonus interest rate when you add a Savings Amplifier Account.
BMO Performance Student Chequing Account
BMO Performance Student Chequing Account
$16.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
Earn $100
Earn a $100 cash bonus and enjoy no monthly fees while in school and one year after you graduate. Valid until May 31, 2023.
National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account
National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account
$3.95 (can be waived)
12/month
$0
N/A
BMO New to Canada Performance Chequing Account
BMO New to Canada Performance Chequing Account
$16.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
N/A
National Bank The Total Chequing Account
National Bank The Total Chequing Account
$28.95 (can be waived)
unlimited
$0
N/A
National Bank Newcomer Bank Account
National Bank Newcomer Bank Account
$0
unlimited
$0
N/A
BMO Canadian Defence Community Banking Performance Plan Chequing Account
BMO Canadian Defence Community Banking Performance Plan Chequing Account
$0
unlimited
$0
N/A
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1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Promo Rate Regular Interest Rate Monthly Account Fee Transaction Fee e-Transfer Fee Offer
EQ Bank Savings Plus Account
EQ Bank Savings Plus Account
N/A
2.50%
$0
$0
$0
Simplii High Interest Savings Account
Simplii High Interest Savings Account
5.25% for 5 months
0.40%
$0
$0
$0
Neo Money Account
Neo Money Account
N/A
2.25%
$0
$0
$0
Earn 2.25% interest on your balance + get up to 15% cashback on first-time purchases with your Neo Money card.
KOHO Save
KOHO Save
N/A
2.00%
$0
$0
$0
Use promo code FINDERCODE and get a $20 cash bonus when you make your first purchase within 30 days.
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Bottom line

Using a debit card is convenient and generally safe, although not risk-free. If you’d rather use a credit card, find a provider that offers perks and rewards that work best for you.

Using a debit card online FAQs

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