How to use a debit card online

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. Learn more if you’re unsure whether to click the debit or credit button.
2. Indicate the type of card you’ll be using, be it Amex, Visa or other providers.
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 three-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.

1 Debit card provider 2 16-digit card number 3 Expiration date 4 CVV <

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 2018, online sales accounted for 14.3% of total retail sales in the US. 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, 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. Most banks will only hold you liable for up to $50 if you catch an unauthorized transaction within two days. 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 checking account. There’s a loss limit of $50 if you report the incident with two days, but it might be hard to get that $50 back.

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 checking 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, and under federal law you won’t be held accountable for more than $50 in unauthorized charges. 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 debit cards today

Sort by:

Name	Product	Minimum deposit to open	ATMs	Out-of-network ATM fee
HSBC Premier Checking		$1	Free to use at all ATMs in the US	$0	Get a 3% cash bonus, up to $600 (max. $100 per month) during first six months after account opening. Must open HSBC Premier checking account through offer page by September 30, 2020, and set up qualifying direct deposits into the new account. Conditions apply. Deposit products are offered in the US by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Total Checking		$0	Access to 16,000 ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches nationwide	$2.50	Get a $200 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposit within 60 days of opening your account. Chase's simplest checking account is easy to use and gives you access to 16,000 ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches. Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Aspiration Spend & Save Account		$10	55,000 free in-network ATMs	$0	Deposits are fossil fuel-free. A spend and save combo account with unlimited cash back rewards and deposits insured by the FDIC.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BBVA Online Checking		$25	No ATM fees nationwide at more than 64,000 AllPoint, participating 7-Eleven and BBVA USA ATMs	$3	A full-service account with convenient, surcharge-free access to two massive ATM networks, plus a $200 signup bonus when you meet deposit requirements	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HSBC Advance Checking		$0	Surcharge-free HSBC ATMs nationally and internationally, plus up to four rebates a month for using non-HSBC ATMs in all US states except New York		Get up to $270 (max. $50 per month) for eligible new customers who open an HSBC Advance checking account. Conditions apply. Deposit products are offered in the US by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Axos Bank Rewards Checking		$50	ATM fees reimbursed at any ATM nationwide	$0	Earn up to 1.25% APY while enjoying a suite of digital tools for smarter money management.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Axos Bank Essential Checking		$0	ATM fees reimbursed at any ATM nationwide		No fees. Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Checking		$0	Free to use anywhere worldwide	$0	Get a $1000 welcome bonus when you join Sapphire Banking. Within 45 days of joining, transfer a total of $75,000 or more in qualifying new money or securities to a combination of eligible checking, savings and/or investment accounts (excludes any J.P. Morgan retirement accounts and CDs), and maintain the balance for at least 90 days.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

loading

Load More

Compare up to 4 providers

Clear selection

Compare

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 special perks like cash back and rewards.

Frequently asked questions about using a debit card online

• Can I use a prepaid debit card to make a purchase online?

  Yes, most prepaid debit cards can be used to make purchases online. Load money onto the card and enter the information as required at checkout.

• Do I have to provide a pin when making a debit card payment online?

  No. Unlike in-person transactions, you don’t need to provide a pin when using a debit card to make a purchase online.

• Do I have to include my middle name when using my debit card online?

  List your name exactly as it appears on the debit card.