When you think of a debit card, you probably only think of the basics: making purchases at stores or withdrawing money from an ATM. But the truth is, your debit card can be much more powerful than you realize. From helping you manage your finances to providing access to services you may not have considered, these cards have a multitude of uses. If you're new to the United States and are just starting to build your financial life, here are 10 things you probably didn’t know you could do with your debit card.
1. Shop without needing cash
Of course, a debit card allows you to make purchases without needing cash. Whether in physical stores or online, your card is a quick and secure way to pay for what you need.
2. Make online payments
You no longer need a credit card to shop online. With your debit card, you can make secure and easy payments on the internet, whether it’s for clothes, streaming services, or food delivery.
3. Set up automatic payments
Do you struggle to remember bill due dates? Debit cards allow you to set up automatic payments for recurring services such as rent, utilities, subscriptions, and more. This way, you never have to worry about missing an important payment.
4. Build your financial history
While debit cards don’t let you buy on credit, some financial institutions allow you to link your debit activity to credit reports. This can be helpful if you ever decide to apply for credit, helping you build a responsible payment history.
5. Access ATMs worldwide
Are you traveling? Your debit card can be the perfect travel companion. You can withdraw cash from ATMs in other countries, often with lower fees than credit cards charge.
6. Receive money quickly and easily
With services like TransferWise, receiving money to your debit card is as easy as receiving a message. Whether someone is sending you money from another city or even another country, the transfer happens instantly.
7. Monitor your budget efficiently
One of the great advantages of using a debit card is that you always know how much money you have available. Many banking apps allow you to view the details of your purchases in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending and stick to your budget.
8. Avoid overdraft fees
With debit cards, you can generally only spend what you have in your account. Many institutions offer alerts or even block transactions when you don’t have enough funds, helping you avoid those annoying overdraft fees.
9. Make contactless payments
Contactless payments are one of the most convenient features. You simply tap your card on the payment terminal and you’re done. It’s perfect when you're in a rush or don’t want to touch the terminal screen for hygiene reasons.
10. Access discounts and rewards
Some debit cards offer reward programs that allow you to earn points or discounts for your everyday purchases. Imagine earning something extra just for making your regular purchases!
A bonus tip: Start your financial journey with ease
If you’ve just arrived in the U.S. and don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), don’t worry! With MAJORITY, you can get a free Visa® debit card using just your passport. This is an ideal option if you’re just starting to build your financial life in the country and need a simple, secure way to manage your money. Additionally, MAJORITY lets you make international transfers, access ATMs, and keep track of your expenses right from the start—all without hassle.
In short, a debit card is not just a tool for spending; it’s a multifaceted tool that helps you manage your money, make secure payments, receive money quickly, and even start building your financial history. With options like MAJORITY, even those without an SSN can begin managing their finances and take advantage of all the benefits a debit card has to offer.