Budgeting hero & fraud protection – your debit card has the power 

Debit cards are far from basic. They’re simple, safe, and, when used correctly, surprisingly powerful. Whether you’re new to the world of finance or just trying to get your spending under control, a deep-dive into debit cards can only help! 

What is a debit card? 

Let’s start with the basics. A debit card is a payment tool that is linked directly to your bank account. When you pay with it, the money comes straight out of your account. This makes it a great tool for keeping track of your finances and sticking to a budget. Unlike a credit card, which lets you borrow money up to a certain limit, a debit card is all about real-time spending. If your money were a concert, the debit card would be the security guard at the entrance: nothing gets through unless it’s already on the list. 

How does a debit card work? 

Let’s take a look at what happens behind the scenes when you use your debit card in a store or online:
  • Transaction request: The merchant sends a request to your bank to check if you have enough funds.  
  • Bank approval: If your account has a sufficient balance, the bank authorises the transaction.  
  • Instant deduction: The amount is immediately taken from your account, and the payment is complete.  
If your balance isn’t high enough, the transaction may be declined—or, with some banks, it may be processed as an overdraft.  

Key features of a debit card 

✔ Direct access to your money: No borrowing, no interest — just straight-up spending from your account. 
✔ Contactless & online payments: Tap to pay in stores, use it for online shopping, or link it to Apple Pay/Google Pay.  
✔ ATM access:  Withdraw cash worldwide, though fees may apply depending on your location.  
✔ Security features: PIN codes, the ability to freeze and unfreeze your card via your banking app, and fraud protection at some banks. 

Debit vs. credit: A quick reality check 


Feature   Debit card   Credit card   Where the money comes from   Your bank account   Borrowed from the bank   Interest charges   None (unless overdrafted)   Yes, if you don’t pay in full   Debt risk   No debt   Can lead to debt if not managed well   Credit score impact   No effect on credit score   Helps build credit (if used wisely)   Best for   Everyday purchases, budgeting   Large purchases, building credit   In short: A debit card is great for everyday spending and keeping your finances under control, while a credit card can be useful for earning rewards and improving your credit score — if used responsibly. 

 Do debit cards incure overdraft fees?  

Not at Yuh! Overdrafts simply aren’t a thing here. With other banks, it depends on whether they offer overdraft protection. If overdraft protection is disabled, your transaction will be declined if you don’t have enough money. If it is enabled, your bank may allow the payment to go through, but you could be charged fees. To avoid nasty surprises, it’s a good idea to regularly check your account balance and disable overdraft protection if you don’t want to risk incurring extra charges. 

Types of debit card 

Not all debit cards are the same! Here are the most common types:  
Standard debit card: The classic card linked to your bank account for payments and ATM withdrawals. 
Prepaid debit card: You load money onto it in advance, which makes great for budgeting or gifting. 
Virtual debit card: A purely digital version that can be used for online purchases or subscriptions and is available at Yuh. It also works with digital wallets, Apple Pay, Google Pay and similar services, as well as at payment terminals. 
Business debit card: Designed for company expenses; helps to separate personal and business spending.  

Start using your debit card like a pro 

✅ Track your transactions: Keep an eye on your spending via your banking app.  
✅ Control your limits: At Yuh, you can modify your card limit at any time to stay on budget. You can lower it for when you’re abroad or put it higher temporarily if you have to make a big purchase.  
✅ Use it wisely: Debit cards don’t build credit, so if you want to improve your credit score, consider using a credit card for certain purchases.  

By the way: What is a credit score? 

It’s basically your financial reputation. It’s a number that indicates how trustworthy you are when it comes to borrowing money. The higher your score, the more likely banks and lenders are to grant you credit. It’s based on factors such as your track record of paying bills, your level of debt, and how long you’ve had a credit history. Maintain a healthy score and you’ll enjoy better rates, smoother approvals, and fewer financial headaches. 
If your money were a concert, the debit card would be the security guard at the entrance: nothing gets through unless it’s already on the list. 
Your Yuh debit card is your daily MVP
The Yuh debit card is an all-rounder for smart, safe and flexible money moves, and so much more than just another card in your wallet. Pay in-store, online or on the go with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Prefer to go fully digital? You can also request a virtual card — perfect for online shopping, eco-friendly and ready to use instantly. 
Need to hit pause? Freeze and unfreeze your card at any time via the app. Want extra control? Set your own spending limits and receive real-time transaction updates. 
And it keeps up when you travel. Your card comes with 13 preinstalled currencies — CHF, EUR, USD, GBP, JPY, AUD, CAD, HKD, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD and TRY — so you can pay abroad in the local currency without hidden fees.