A debit card is a type of payment card that lets a customer pay for goods or services directly from their bank account. Unlike a credit card, where you borrow money and pay it back later, a debit card payment withdraws the money from the customer's account immediately.

Debit cards are one of the most common forms of payment in many countries and are often used for purchases in physical stores – including restaurants and cafés – as well as online. Examples of popular debit cards are Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit, plus national schemes such as Dankort in Denmark or girocard in Germany.

When a customer in your café or restaurant uses a debit card to pay for an order, the transaction is sent to the bank's system via your POS system. The payment is then authorised, and the money is transferred immediately from the customer's account to your business's bank account.

Example: A customer in your café orders a latte and a croissant for €8. At payment, the customer chooses to use their Visa Debit card. When the card is registered on your payment terminal, the €8 is withdrawn immediately from the customer's account. The amount is then recorded as a payment in your Flexybox POS system and posted under the day's turnover.

Why is it important to understand what a debit card is?

If you run a restaurant or café, it is important to know the difference between debit cards and other types of card, such as credit cards. It is about both the customer's payment experience and correct recording in your POS system. Debit card transactions mean the money reaches your account quickly, and they typically carry lower fees than credit cards.

It also helps you and your employees understand which payment methods are accepted, how the payment is processed and what happens if a transaction is declined.

Using debit cards in Flexybox

The Flexybox POS system supports debit card payments in your restaurants and cafés. When a customer pays with a debit card, the system handles the transaction automatically and records the payment as completed – without any delay. This ensures an easy, fast payment experience for both you and the customer.

Want to know more about the different types of payment card?

Read also:

Payment card

Credit card

Frequently asked questions

The difference lies in how the money is withdrawn. With a debit card the amount is taken directly from the customer's bank account, while with a credit card the customer borrows the money and pays it back later. Read more about credit cards

Yes, a Visa Debit card works as a debit card, as the money is withdrawn from the customer's bank account immediately at purchase.

Yes, Flexybox supports debit card payments and automatically records the transaction in the till system.

If there are insufficient funds in the account, the payment is declined immediately. The customer will need to choose another payment method instead.