A debit card is a payment card linked directly to your bank account. When you pay with it, in a shop, online, or at an ATM, the amount comes out of your balance right away. No credit line, no bill at the end of the month: just straightforward spending from money you already have.

How a debit card works

When you make a purchase, the debit card connects to a payment network (such as Mastercard or Visa) which verifies your available balance and processes the transaction. The amount is deducted from your Bank Account within seconds.

You can use a debit card anywhere that accepts card payments: in stores, restaurants, online shops, and apps. Contactless payments, chip-and-PIN, and online checkouts all work the same way, your money moves immediately from your account to the merchant.

Debit card vs. credit card

The main difference is where the money comes from. A debit card spends from your existing balance; a credit card borrows from a credit line and bills you later.

• With a debit card, you can only spend what you have. There's no risk of accumulating debt or paying interest.

• Credit cards are preferred by hotels, car rental companies, and some subscription services that require a card guarantee or temporary hold on funds.

• Debit cards are simpler to obtain, most bank accounts include one automatically.

If you want the broad acceptance of a credit card without the risk of borrowing, bunq's Credit Card is funded directly from your bunq balance, so there's no credit line and no debt.

Debit cards at bunq

Every bunq plan includes at least one Mastercard debit card as standard. You order it through the bunq app and it arrives in the mail. You can also create Digital Cards instantly in the app for online purchases, keeping your physical card number private and your spending compartmentalized.

Your bunq debit card links to a Money Pocket, so you can control exactly how much is available for day-to-day spending. Pair it with Instant Payments to top up your pocket in seconds whenever you need more funds.

Common questions

Can I use a debit card abroad?

Yes. Debit cards on major networks like Mastercard or Visa are accepted worldwide. When paying in a foreign currency, your bank converts the amount at the applicable exchange rate. bunq's zero-fx feature lets you spend in foreign currencies without paying extra conversion fees on supported currencies.

What happens if I don't have enough balance?

If your balance is too low, the transaction will be declined. Unlike a credit card, a debit card does not allow you to spend beyond your balance. bunq sends Instant Notifications for every transaction so you always know your balance before you pay.

Is a debit card the same as a bank card?

The terms are often used interchangeably. A bank card is the broader term for any card issued by a bank; a debit card is the most common type, meaning it draws directly from your account balance. All bunq debit cards are Mastercard bank cards.