Difference between choosing credit or debit with your Visa Debit Card

When I use my Visa Debit Card, I am asked to enter credit or debit. Why?

When using the Visa Debit Card at the checkout counter, you may be prompted to choose whether you want to authorize the transaction as a "credit" (with signature) or "debit" (with PIN).

  • If credit is chosen, the merchant may require a signature and holds on the funds may be placed on the account by the merchant until the funds are received.
  • If debit is chosen, you will be prompted to enter your PIN.

Visa Debit Card purchases are deducted from your Checking Account whether you choose credit or debit and there is no interest to pay. It is your choice whether you'd like to sign for the transaction or enter your PIN number.

Please Note: Zero liability fraud protection is applicable only when you choose to sign for the purchase. When a PIN transaction is processed, there are no Visa chargeback rights.