Banks offer a varied range of bank cards in 3 types (credit, debit and prepaid), with many benefits designed to suit customers' personal needs and financial requirements, match their means and give them the greatest possible convenience. Cards are the easiest way to pay and carry out everyday financial transactions, and they aim to reduce cash dealings given the risks of carrying cash, such as loss or theft.

In this report, Banky sets out the requirements for getting a debit card, its main benefits and what to do if you lose your card. But first, you need to know what a debit card is and how it works, as explained below:

Instant debit cards

A debit card is an electronic payment card issued by a bank and linked to a bank account. It is the means that lets the cardholder use their bank account to carry out transactions, and the amount is deducted only after the bank confirms that the customer's account holds the required sum.

A debit card is used for the following transactions:

  • Cash withdrawals and deposits at ATMs

  • Buying goods and services at electronic points of sale or on e-commerce websites

  • Checking the account balance

Benefits of debit cards

  • Payments are deducted directly from the customer's bank account balance.

  • The card can be used locally and internationally for purchases and cash withdrawals.

  • Free cash withdrawals across the bank's ATM network.

  • The withdrawal commission is lower than that on credit card withdrawals.

  • You cannot withdraw or spend more than the balance on the card.

  • Paying bills and accessing some government services online.

  • Shopping at online stores, booking travel tickets or hotels, transferring earnings, or paying for sponsored ads for those who work online.

  • It does not affect the customer's credit report, since it relies mainly on the balance available in their bank account.

  • The card has a smart chip, a preventive measure to ensure it is used securely.

  • The card can be used to pay off credit card balances.

  • Supplementary cards can be issued on the account.

  • Getting a bank account statement.

  • Linking more than one of the customer's accounts to a single debit card.

  • Transferring between the accounts registered on the debit card via an ATM.

  • Secure online shopping through the one-time password (OTP) service.

How do you get a debit card?

Banks set no special conditions for getting a debit card; the customer receives one directly after opening a current or savings account with the bank. The requirements therefore follow the conditions for opening a bank account, which are:

  • A valid national ID card.

  • The minimum opening balance set by the bank.

  • A recent utility bill

  • A recent HR letter or any other document proving your occupation if it is not stated on your ID card.

Card issuance requirements

  • Debit cards are issued to bank customers holding local-currency accounts.

  • The minimum age is 21 for primary cards and 15 for supplementary cards.

What should a customer do if their debit card is lost or damaged?

The customer can ask for the card to be stopped and a replacement for the lost or damaged card to be issued by:

  • Calling the bank's call center to report the lost card and request a replacement, or using the mobile and internet banking service to stop the card and request a replacement, or visiting the nearest bank branch to stop the card and request a replacement.