To make a payment online with your debit card all you need is the card number, expiry date and the three-digit CVV/CVC number on the back of the card.
How to use your debit card online
Select the card type. You'll need to select the card type (usually Visa or Mastercard) and sometimes classify if it's a credit or debit card.
Enter the card number. Enter the 16-digit number that's printed on the front of your debit card. This is not your account number.
Enter the expiry. Underneath the card number you should see the card expiry date expressed as 4 numbers. For example 04/28 means your card will expire in April 2028.
Enter the CVV. This is a 3-digit number that's usually found on the back of the debit card, to verify the card.
Extra security steps. Some online stores might also require you to verify the transaction via your phone or banking app.
Tips for using your debit card online
If you're planning to use your debit card online, here are some tips to ensure you keep your money safe and you don't get stung with fees.
Check your account balance.
Unlike a credit card, you'll only be able to use your debit card for online purchases if you've got enough money in your account to fund the purchase. If you don't have enough, even if it's a few dollars short, your transaction won't work.
Don't forget to think about extra charges such as shipping fees when calculating the cost of the purchase.
Watch out for international transaction fees.
If you plan to use your debit card online to buy things from overseas, it's a good idea to get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. This is a fee that's charged when a currency conversion is required, and it can be as high as 3.5% of the transaction value each time.
Make sure the website is legitimate.
Avoid using your debit card online from websites that don't look legitimate, and never give your debit card details out via social media or online forums.
Keep your card details safe
Never use your card on a public or shared computer, as this exposes you to security risks. It's also a good idea not to store your debit card details online.
While convenient, this also exposes you to risks.
Can I get a virtual debit card?
There are several ways you can add a debit card to your phone and pay digitally.
Virtual cards. Companies like Wise and Revolut offer virtual debit cards you can setup via their apps.
Google Pay/Apple Pay/Samsung Pay. You can add your debit card to a payment app like Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. You can set your virtual card up via your banking app or the pay app itself.
In your bank app. With many banks you can skip the secondary app and just set up a virtual card in your banking app.
Paying with a debit card versus a credit card
Debit cards
Spend your own money. With a debit card, you're spending money in your bank account. There are no interest charges.
Less temptation to overspend. Credit cards are a great tool but if you're not disciplined they make it easier to overspend. Debit cards limit you to what's in your bank account.
Fees. Banks don't typically charge fees to have a debit card with your transaction account.
Surcharges. Many shops and merchants make you pay a small surcharge when using a card. Debit card surcharges are lower than surcharges on credit cards.
Credit cards
Spending on credit. With a credit card, you're spending money you've borrowed. If you don't pay off your balance the interest charges can cost you more over time.
Flexibility. Credit cards give you more options. You can buy something today and pay it off later.
Fees. Most credit cards come with some kind of annual fee.
Points and rewards. Many credit cards let you earn rewards points or frequent flyer points on your spending.
Surcharges. Credit cards have higher surcharges than debit cards.
Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio
Richard's expertise
Richard has written 562 Finder guides across topics including:
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