How to Get a Debit Card

Opening a Checking Account

Gather your personal information. To open an account, you need to have some personal information before you go into the bank. You will need your social security number. You will also need to present your driver's license and be able to tell them the number, issuing state, and expiration date. You also need your current employment information as well as your last job if you have worked at your current job for less than a year. You will also have to give them a valid e-mail address.

Apply for a checking account. To open an account, you need to fill out an application from your bank of choice. You need to request an application from an account manager at the local branch of the bank. Choose if you want an individual or joint account. Fill in the application with the information you collected. Make sure you let them know you want a debit card to go with your account. Once you finish filling in the application, sign it and give it to the bank employee. Once it is looked over and approved, you will have an account and you can get a card. You can also set up a joint account with someone else. If you want to do this, you need to have all the information you gathered for yourself about them as well. They sometimes ask you to make an opening deposit by cash or check when you open the account. You can also open an account online. You just fill out the application online and it is sent for approval.

Activate your card. If you open an account in person, you should be able to get a card right away. To activate your card, you first need to choose a PIN number for your card. Make sure you chose a number that isn't related to you and can't be easily guessed by others. You just want to make sure that you can remember it. You will need this PIN every time you use the card. Once you chose a PIN, the bank teller will make you swipe your card and then it is activated. Always use a PIN, even if the bank gives you a choice not to. It makes your card more secure. Your PIN should not be your social security number, birthday, phone number, or address. Don't keep a copy of it written anywhere and don't tell anyone what the number is. If they ever use your card, you will be responsible for the charges they make.

Getting a Debit Card in Other Ways

Ask for one from the bank. If you already have a bank account, you can get a debit card from your bank. It is a relatively easy process. You just need to complete an application with the bank to get a debit card. Since you have already established your identity with the bank, the only paperwork is the application. The bank will review your application and, depending on your history with the bank, approve your account for a debit card. The bank typically mails you a card once you have been approved.

Activate your card. Once you have received your new card, you need to activate it. Activating the card is usually done with the help of a banking representative at your local branch. You will pick a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and make a simple transaction. Make sure you chose a unique number that isn't easy to guess but that is something you can remember. Once the PIN is chosen, the same one will be used for any debit transaction. If the bank gives you the choice of using or not using a PIN in your debit transactions, always choose to have one. It is an important safeguard for the security of your account. Your PIN should not be obvious, such as your birthday, social security number, address, or phone number. Don't write your PIN and keep it in your purse or wallet. Don’t share it with anyone. If they use it, you will likely be responsible, even if they didn’t have permission for that particular purchase.

Consider a prepaid card. You can buy a prepaid, reloadable debit card at some major retailers, convenience stores, discount stores, pharmacies, or online. These locations sell Visa or MasterCard debit cards. These cards work much like the debit cards attached to other accounts. The difference is that you load them with a balance that is only accessible with the card. One problem with prepaid cards is that they typically require an activation fee when you put money on the card for the first time. However, the activation charge is a one-time fee and does not occur again while you are using the card. You can load money on them online, in person at a participating retailer, and through direct deposit from another account.

Using Your Debit Card

Buy items at the store. The debit cards use the same networks as the credit cards. Therefore, anywhere you could use a credit card you should be able to use a debit card, which is most places in the United States. You may have to give your card to the cashier to swipe. You may also be able to swipe it yourself. Then enter your PIN number into a keypad and press OK. Verify the amount once it appears on the screen and hit OK again. You can also use your debit card to purchase things online as well. You will just have to have the card number, the expiration date, your PIN, and the verification code on the back of the card handy. Some vendors treat the debit card as a credit card, swiping the card without requiring a PIN number. Nevertheless, the card provider will deduct the payment from the bank account balance immediately.

Keep track of your balance. In general, it's smart to check your balance online on a regular basis. That way, you'll always know how much money you have available. It may help to track of your purchases, either by writing them down or by recording them in a budget document or spreadsheet. Doing so will keep you from forgetting what you bought and help you avoid overdraft fees or insufficient funds.

Monitor your account. Once you start making purchases and putting money into your bank account, you need to make sure you review your account activity in your statement. This might come to you in the mail or you can do it online. This will help you be sure that there is no activity that is not yours. If you detect anything unusual or that you do not recognize, contact the bank. While fraud with a debit card is unlikely since you have to use a PIN, it is not impossible. Try to keep your card with you at all times. Do not let others see your PIN or write it down. If you find that you have lost your card or it gets stolen, report it immediately to your bank. If you get an automated menu, choose the "report a lost or stolen card" option from the menu.