Credit vs. Debit Transactions

Borrowing
Woman making a purchase with her debit card

 

Visa Debit Card reward points require signature-authorized transactions to earn points. PIN-based, point-of-sale, ATM transactions, cash withdrawals, and checks do not earn points.

Remember that some merchants do not have you sign for purchases under $50 or $25. In these instances, you still earn points even if you don’t physically sign. As long as you don’t enter a PIN, you earn points.

Credit Transactions

  • Credit transactions are also referred to as signature-based transactions. 
  • You swipe your Visa Debit Card and select credit on the keypad (and often hit “cancel”), or tell a sales associate it is a credit transaction. 
  • You sign for your transaction and no PIN is required. 
  • Your transaction is not withdrawn from your account immediately and will be held against your available balance. 
  • Your transaction appears with the merchant name. 
  • Purchases made over the phone and via the internet are processed as credit transactions.

Debit Transactions

  • Debit transactions are also referred to as PIN-based. There are two types of PIN-based transactions: POS and ATM. 
  • You swipe your Visa Debit Card and select debit on the keypad. 
  • You enter your PIN on the keypad. 
  • Your transaction is debited from a designated checking account immediately. 
  • Your transaction is posted with the merchant address and appears as an ATM transaction.
  • The ATM daily withdrawal limit is $750 (combined HVCU and non-HVCU ATMs) per card per day. Please refer to the Electronic Funds Transfer Disclosure & Agreement for further information.

All company names are the registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Related Resources

  • Woman using her phone and holding her credit card
    Borrowing

    What is Credit Card Interest & How Does It Affect You?

    Educate yourself on credit card interest and learn how it works before you apply for your next credit card.
    Read More
  • girl shopping with a credit card online
    Borrowing

    5 Credit Card Facts and Quick Tips

    Credit cards can be a great first step to building credit history, but it's important to know all the responsibilities that come with having a card. 
    Read More
  • Hand holding mobile phone with credit score displayed, laptop in background
    Borrowing

    Breaking Down Your Credit Score

    Here are some quick tips to help you understand your credit score and keep it at a healthy number.
    Read More