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Debit cards are familiar to many nowadays as a popular way to pay for goods and services. But if you’re new to the world of bank accounts, you might be wondering exactly how you can use your debit card effectively.

For a start, more places than ever accept payment by Visa debit card, which is the card that will be issued with your Halifax current account. Having this card in your pocket is a lot easier – and safer – than carrying cash everywhere. You can use it to pay for almost anything, from clothes and groceries to drinks and meals out. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the UK or abroad, as you can use the debit card wherever you see the Visa sign. And your purchases aren’t just limited to when you’re out and about. Your debit card can also be used to complete transactions over the phone and online.

Of course, there are always going to be times when you’ll need to have a bit of cash in your pocket, but it’s important to remember there may be a cost involved when you use your card abroad. With a debit card, you can withdraw up to £300, or whatever the local equivalent amount is, from a cash machine. You’ll also be able to carry out a whole range of tasks while using a cash machine, such as paying in cash and cheques, getting a mini statement and topping up your mobile phone. Need to change your PIN? You can also do this at the cash machine. There’s also the option to get cashback from some shops when you pay for goods, which can be more convenient than visiting a cash machine.

When you get your debit card, you’ll be issued with a PIN number. You’ll need this to withdraw money or when you’re using a chip and PIN machine to pay for things in shops and restaurants and it’s very important that you keep this number safe – memorising it if possible – and that you share it with no one. If you ever have reason to believe the security of your PIN has been compromised, or if you forget it, there’s always the option to get sent a reminder or to change it entirely. To do this, all you need to do is give us a ring or pop into one of our branches – we’ll be happy to give you the help you need, with this or any other banking queries you may have.