How to use a debit card for online payments

You can use your debit card to make online transactions just like a credit card.

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By

Richard Whitten

Reviewed by

Serina Bird

Updated

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4.7 based on 830 reviews

Key takeaways

  • Ensure funds are available and provide your card number, expiry and CVV to pay online.
  • Protect your funds by verifying legitimate websites and watching out for international transaction fees.
  • Enhance security and convenience with a virtual debit card available through your bank or app.
To make a payment online with your debit card all you need is the card number, expiry date and the three-digit CVV/CVC number on the back of the card.

How to use your debit card online

  1. Select the card type. You'll need to select the card type (usually Visa or Mastercard). Sometimes you will need to classify if it's a credit or debit card.
  2. Enter the card number. Enter the 16-digit number that's printed on the front of your debit card. This is not your account number.
  3. Enter the expiry. Underneath the card number you should see the card expiry date expressed as 4 numbers. For example 04/28 means your card will expire in April 2028.
  4. Enter the CVV. This is a 3-digit number that's usually found on the back of the debit card, to verify the card.
  5. Extra security steps. Some online stores might also require you to verify the transaction via your phone or banking app.

Tips for using your debit card online

If you're planning to use your debit card online, here are some tips to ensure you keep your money safe and you don't get stung with fees.

Check your account balance.

Unlike a credit card, you'll only be able to use your debit card for online purchases if you've got enough money in your account to fund the purchase. If you don't have enough, even if it's a few dollars short, your transaction won't work.

Don't forget to think about extra charges such as shipping fees when calculating the cost of the purchase.

Watch out for international transaction fees.

If you plan to use your debit card online to buy things from overseas, it's a good idea to get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. This is a fee that's charged when a currency conversion is required, and it's usually a percentage of the transaction value each time.

Make sure the website is legitimate.

Avoid using your debit card online from websites that don't look legitimate, and never give your debit card details out via social media or online forums.

Keep your card details safe

Never use your card on a public or shared computer, as this exposes you to security risks. It's also a good idea not to store your debit card details online.

While convenient, this also exposes you to risks.

Can I get a virtual debit card?

There are several ways you can add a debit card to your phone and pay digitally.

  1. Virtual cards. Companies like Wise, Up and Revolut offer virtual debit cards you can set up via their apps.
  2. Google Pay/Apple Pay/Samsung Pay. You can add your debit card to a payment app like Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. You can set your virtual card up via your banking app or the pay app itself.
  3. In your bank app. With many banks, you can skip the secondary app and just set up a virtual card in your banking app.

Paying with a debit card versus a credit card

Debit cards

  • Spend your own money. With a debit card, you're spending money in your bank account. There are no interest charges.
  • Less temptation to overspend. Credit cards are a great tool, but if you're not disciplined they make it easier to overspend. Debit cards limit you to what's in your bank account and help prevent people from going into debt.
  • Fees. Banks don't typically charge fees to have a debit card with your transaction account.
  • Surcharges. Since 1 October 2026, merchants can no longer add a surcharge when you pay with an eftpos, Mastercard or Visa debit card.
  • Security. Generally, there's greater security with credit cards. If a charge is fraudulent, it's often easier to challenge if it's a credit card.

Credit cards

  • Spending on credit. With a credit card, you're spending money you've borrowed. If you don't pay off your balance the interest charges can cost you more over time.
  • Flexibility. Credit cards give you more options. You can buy something today and pay it off later.
  • Fees. Most credit cards come with some kind of annual fee.
  • Points and rewards. Many credit cards let you earn rewards points or frequent flyer points on your spending.
  • Surcharges. From 1 October 2026, merchants also can't add a surcharge when you pay with a Mastercard or Visa credit card, but they can still surcharge some other cards, such as American Express.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Serina Bird, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
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Senior Money Editor
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Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise
Richard has written 755 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Home loans
  • Credit cards
  • Personal finance
  • Money-saving tips
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4 Responses

    james's avatar
    jamesMarch 24, 2026

    can the scammer who scammed your old credit card also scam your new card after it is activated

      Sarah Megginson's headshotFinder
      SarahApril 1, 2026Finder

      Hi James,

      No, a scammer generally can’t keep using your new card once your old one is cancelled, because the card number and security details are completely different. But it can still happen if the fraud was linked to a recurring payment that gets automatically updated; if the scammer has access to your email or banking; or if they trick you into giving the new card info again. It’s a good idea to change the passwords on your internet banking, enable two-factor authentication and stay alert for follow-up scams. Hope this helps!

    Habib ULLAH's avatar
    HabibMay 14, 2025

    I want to make a debit card for online banking, please help me.

      Alison Banney's headshotFinder
      AlisonMay 19, 2025Finder

      Hi,
      To get a debit card, you just need to open a bank account by choosing an account then completing the online application form. You’ll be sent your new debit card in the mail plus some accounts also allow you to open a digital debit card instantly.
      Thanks,
      Alison

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