Released: January 18, 2006

Help Desk FAQ

Is there a difference between signing for a debit card purchase, and using my PIN?

Yes. You can use your debit card in two ways. Many stores allow you to select the payment option you prefer:

1. Make transactions using your PIN. This is called “online” use or the “debit” or “PIN” function. You can make online debit card transactions at many stores that have a PIN pad. If you make PIN-based transactions, you may not be covered by your bank’s “zero liability” fraud protection policy, so it’s a good idea to ask in advance. Some banks charge customers a fee on transactions that require a PIN.

2. Authorize transactions with your signature. The second way to use your debit card is to sign for your purchase instead of entering a PIN.  This is called a “signature-based” transaction. Signature-based transactions also are referred to as “off-line” use. At many point-of-sale payment machines, you must press “credit” in order to make a signature-based debit card transaction.