ATM card

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Bank card.

Sample ATM card.

An ATM card (also known as a bank card, client card, key card or cash card) is an ISO 7810 card issued by a bank, credit union or building society.

It can be used:

at an ATM for deposits, withdrawals, account information, and other types of transactions, often through interbank networks

Some ATM cards can also be used:

at a branch, as identification for in-person transactions
at merchants, for EFTPOS (point of sale) purchases

Unlike a debit card, in-store purchases or refunds with an ATM card can generally be made in person only, as they require authentication through a personal identification number or PIN. In other words, ATM cards cannot be used at merchants that only accept credit cards.

However, other types of transactions through telephone or online banking may be performed with an ATM card without in-person authentication. This includes account balance inquiries, electronic bill payments or in some cases, online purchases (see Interac Online).

In countries that don't have distinct debit cards (pure ATM cards without debit card function), such as Canada, an ATM card is also known as a "debit card".