Using your debit card

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What is a debit card? Open in new window

Misplaced your debit card? Open in new window

Using your debit card abroad Open in new window

What is a debit card?

A debit card is a cash-free way of making payments, with the money deducted from your current account. With your debit card you can:

withdraw money from a cash machine
pay for goods and services online, over the phone or in-store
make contactless payments for items up to £100

How to activate my debit card?

To activate your debit card, simply use it to make a payment or withdraw cash from a cash machine. If you're an existing customer, remember to destroy your old debit card once the replacement is activated.

Make sure to check that your card details are up-to-date for any website that you use regularly to pay for goods or services. Don't forget about subscriptions and recurring payments.

What is the security code on a debit card?

The security code is a 3-digit number found on the back of your debit card. Often called the CVV or CVC, it adds a second level of authentication when making online or over-the-phone purchases.

My debit card is about to expire. What should I do?

Your debit card will expire on the last day of the month / year printed on the front of your card. This is formatted as 'Expires End MM/YY'.

We'll send you a new debit card one in the post at least one week before your current card is due to expire. When you receive your new debit card you should securely destroy your old one.

Think you've misplaced your debit card?

Can't find your debit card? With our mobile app or online banking you can freeze your debit card so it can't be used until you find it. When you find your card you can remove the block.

How to freeze your debit card Open in new window

Using your debit card abroad

It's important to be aware of any fees associated with making purchases or withdrawing money from a cash machine when you are abroad. Use our debit card currency calculator to get an estimate of how much a purchase or cash withdrawal might cost.

To reduce the chance of your transactions being blocked, remember to register your travel plans with us before travelling.

How to register your travel plans with us

Letting us know about your travel plans in advance will reduce the likelihood of your transactions being blocked.

All you need to do is log in to the mobile app then:

select the account which has the debit card
choose 'Manage my card'
select 'Going Abroad'
follow the on-screen instructions

You will be able to create one Travel Plan at a time by choosing 'Add Country', for a maximum period of 90 days, including up to 7 countries. Each country will need to be registered individually e.g.

Destination 1 - Germany, entry 27/08/20XX, exit 10/09/20XX
Destination 2 - France, entry 11/09/20XX, exit 16/09/20XX (etc)

Please check that the Travel Plan:

does not have overlaps or gaps between destination dates
is no longer than 90 days in duration

The Travel Plan will apply to debit cards only attached to accounts managed via mobile banking and only in your name. Joint account holders should register separately.

More about the mobile app

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Debit card currency calculator Open in new window