Debit Card Use | ICICI Bank (2024)

FAQs

Will debit card go through if not enough money? ›

Occasionally it may be possible for the bank to pay an ATM or everyday debit card transaction even though there is not enough money in the account. Customers should not assume that because the ATM or other debit card transaction goes through that there is enough money in the account to cover it.

If you overspend, you could get hit with costly overdraft fees: If charges to your debit card cause your checking account balance to go negative, you could suffer overdraft fees and other steep charges that far exceed the potential costs of using a credit card.

You've got to see them in the full context of payment methods that generate commissions for banks. And guess what? Banks make more money--a lot more money--from debit cards than they do when you pay for your merchandise by check or cash.

A debit card is a card linked to your checking account. It looks like a credit card, but it works differently. The amount of money you can spend on a debit card is determined by the amount of funds in your account, not by a credit limit such as credit cards carry.

Debit cards look like credit cards. But they do not work the same way. Credit cards use money that you borrow. Debit cards use money that is already in your checking account.

Having insufficient funds is the most obvious reason behind a card decline. Some checking accounts offer overdraft protection to help you pay for a purchase even when you have insufficient funds. The option is usually unavailable beyond a limit or for multiple transactions within 24 hours.

If you don't have enough money in your account

Most banks will contact you if a payment has failed, giving you a deadline to put enough money in – often by 2pm that same day. If they still can't make the payment, you might have to pay an unpaid transaction fee or overdraft interest if they make it anyway.

Debit card transactions are deducted straight from your checking account. If your purchases end up overdrawing your account, you'll face substantial overdraft fees. Worse yet, if you have payments like rent or your mortgage tied to your checking and it is overdrawn, it could cause you to default.

Most debit cards have daily spending limits, usually between $400 and $5,000 to prevent fraudulent spending.

Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.

Why do you need to be careful when using a debit card? ›

A debit card doesn't offer the same fraud protection

If a stranger were to find your debit card, they could essentially use all the money in your linked checking account. While you can get your money bank when you report debit card fraud, it may take time or you may not be reimbursed at all.

Card Lock is a security feature which allows you to block new authorizations on your debit card and/or credit card. If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.

Checking accounts and debit cards work together but can serve different purposes. Debit cards are convenient for in-person or online purchases. Funds are drawn directly from a linked checking account. Debit card transactions are typically faster and more secure than paying by check.

If you notify your bank or credit union within two business days of discovering the loss or theft of the card, the bank or credit union can't hold you responsible for more than the amount of any unauthorized transactions or $50, whichever is less.

Most banks no longer allow others to check or know your bank account balance. However, some banks provide the account balance details when people simply call and request it. For instance, anyone knowing your account information can call the bank to verify the fund on a cheque.

The risk of fraud often outweighs the convenience of debit cards. If a credit card is stolen or hacked using online scams, a card skimmer or a gas pump skimmer and unauthorized purchases are made, you often have liability protection. When a debit card is used fraudulently, it's your personal funds that can be drained.

So every time you swipe your debit card, you're issuing bank is making money and their other payment services they provide. And the third leg are fees. So overdraft fees, account fees, wire fees, et cetera.

You may trigger a fee if you overdraw your account using your debit card, just as you would if you "bounced" a check. Or, there could be a charge if you use your debit card as an ATM card at a machine that is not operated by your financial institution.

If you don't have enough funds in your account, the transaction will be declined. When you choose to run your debit card as credit, you sign your name for the transaction instead of entering your PIN. The transaction goes through Visa's payment network and a hold is placed on the funds in your account.

However, if you pay for something and there isn't enough money in your account, you'll go overdrawn. At this point, fees and charges can be added. Overdraft charges and overdraft interest can quickly add up if you don't make a payment to cover them, especially if you keep spending.

Can you have a negative amount of money on a debit card? ›

The debit card itself will not go negative, but the account tied to it might be able to. Note this is not recommended. Most institutions charge fees for going overdrawn/negative.

If your account does not contain sufficient funds to cover the payment, any overdraft protection you may have on the account will be used. If you still do not have enough funds to cover the payment(s), you will be charged a fee for insufficient funds (NSF).