What is a debit card?

A debit card is a card that’s linked to your everyday transaction account. It lets you easily access your own money from the account at an ATM or when shopping.

NAB Debit Card

A NAB Debit Card is available to customers who are 13 years or younger. This card allows you to withdraw money from your account at an ATM. You can make purchases at shops using EFTPOS, but you can’t shop online or add the card to your digital wallet. 

You can apply for a NAB Debit Card by visiting a branch.

 NAB Visa Debit card

A NAB Visa Debit card is available to customers aged 14 years and older. With this card you can:

  • withdraw from or deposit into your account at an ATM
  • make purchases at shops
  • shop online
  • add the card to your digital wallet.

If you’re 14 or older you can apply online for a NAB Visa Debit card.

How to use your debit card

When you’re shopping in-store with your debit card you’ll either need to insert, swipe or tap it, depending on the type of EFTPOS machine the store uses. You can also set up your NAB Visa Debit card in your digital wallet and pay by tapping your phone. 

If you have a part-time or after-school job, you can give your employer your bank account details so they can deposit your pay into your transaction account. Then you can use your debit card to:

Read our online help guides to learn more about using internet banking and managing your debit card in the NAB app. 

The difference between debit cards and credit cards

With a debit card, you’re spending your own money. You can only spend what’s in your transaction account. 

A credit card is a way to borrow money or get ‘credit’ from a bank, which gives you funds up to an agreed limit. You can spend up to that agreed limit, but you have to pay the money back by the due date. If you don’t, you’ll be charged interest and other fees may apply. You must be at least 18 years old and meet other eligibility criteria to apply for a credit card

Security tips

When you’re using your debit card in-person or online, follow these tips. 

  • Sign the back of your new card as soon as you get it.
  • When setting up your PIN, don’t use numbers that are easy to guess, like your birthday .
  • Never write down or share your PIN with anyone. This also applies to your passwords for internet banking and your devices used to make payments, like smartphones and wearables.
  • Don’t let other people use your card and treat your device like your wallet – always keep it close. 
  • Always cover the keypad on an ATM or EFTPOS machine when entering your PIN
  • Keep your receipts and regularly check your transactions in the NAB app to make sure you’re being charged correctly.

Using your NAB Visa Debit card safely online

You can shop online with your NAB Visa Debit card by entering the card number, expiry date and CVV.  

  • Always be careful when entering your card details online. 
  • Read the fine print and make sure you’re not accidentally signing up for subscriptions or future payments.
  • If you’re shopping on overseas websites, be aware you may be charged an international transaction fee.

Learn more about how to safely shop online.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you lose your card or see a suspicious transaction in your account:

  • Block your card immediately in the NAB app or Internet Banking. Learn how to block your card on your iPhone or Android phoneTM
  • Call us on 13 22 65.

Terms and Conditions

Personal Transaction and Savings Products Terms and Conditions

Target Market Determinations for these products are available at nab.com.au/TMD.

Apple, iPhone, iPad, Touch ID and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google and the Google Logo are registered trademarks of Google Inc. © 2012 Google Inc.

Consider the NAB Internet Banking terms and conditions which apply when using NAB Internet Banking and the NAB app, before making any decisions regarding these services. The NAB app is compatible with Android™ and iOS, minimum platform requirements apply. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Services issued by NAB.