What is the difference between Debit card and ATM card? Can Debit cards be used at ATM machines?
Both cards draw funds from your bank account at the time they are used. An ATM card is a pin-based card. You can use it only at an ATM or a pin-based script machine to get cash (some grocery stores, gas pumps and restaurants have script machines). You typically are the one that will get charged a fee if you use your ATM card somewhere else besides your bank’s ATM network (foreign transaction). For a foreign transaction you can get charged by your bank (intercharge fee) and by the ATM owner (surcharge fee) sometimes called a “double-dipping fee”. If you do not have funds in your account, your ATM card will not complete a transaction. A Debit card will work either pin-based (at an ATM) or signature-based (like a credit card). If the Debit card is used like a credit card, the merchant pays the transaction fee (why Walmart is pissed and is starting their own bank). A note of caution on using your Debit card. If you do not have funds to cover the transaction, most banks will “conveniently”
