Types of Debit Cards

In India, debit cards are linked to savings or current accounts which allows users to make secure payments and access funds directly.

The types of debit cards include Rupay, Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard, are globally accepted and provide rewards or cashback. RuPay cards, developed by the NPCI, are tailored for domestic use with lower transaction costs and offers accidental insurance.

Contactless debit cards use NFC technology for quick payments. The debit card fees vary by bank and card type. Common benefits include convenience, safety, rewards, and smooth online payments.

Read on to learn the various aspects of debit cards!

Debit cards in India offer easy and secure access to your bank funds, with added perks based on the card type, like global acceptance (Visa, Mastercard), domestic savings (RuPay), or quick tap-and-go payments (contactless cards).

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Best Debit Cards and Features

These days there are plenty of options available when it comes to ATM cards. Several banks provide debit cards with unique features to enhance lifestyle quality and banking experience.

Given the 4 types of debit cards, here are some of the best debit cards of 2025 and its features:

HDFC Debit Card: It provides a range of cards with cashback, high transaction limits, and digital control features for everyday and premium spending.

Amongst the various HDFC Debit Cards, the HDFC Bank Millennia Debit Card is the most popular due to its features such as:

Earn 1% cashback on categories like fuel, apparel, insurance, education, and grocery.

Shopping limit up to ₹3.5 lakh and ATM withdrawal limit up to ₹50,000.

ICICI Debit Card: This card is designed for global use with rewards, EMI options, and lifestyle benefits like dining and entertainment offers.

The ICICI Platinum Chip Debit Card is one of the best debit cards of ICICI as of 2025. Here are its key features:

No joining fee or annual fee.
Reward points on every purchase (except fuel).
Discount offers on dining, movies, and more.

Axis Bank Debit Card: This card combines reward points with lifestyle perks such as Times Prime membership and dining discounts.

The Priority Debit Card is one of the top debit cards by Axis bank and includes the following features:

1000 Axis Edge Reward Points on card activation.
25% discount offer on movie tickets via BookMyShow.
₹800 off on Axis Bank Dining Delights program.
No joining fees or annual fees.

SBI Debit Card: Provides wide ATM access, global usability, and benefits like reward points and complimentary lounge access.

The SBI Platinum International Debit Card – one of the leading SBI debit cards comes with features such as:

Complimentary airport lounge access.
10,000 SBI Reward Points every month with a cap of ₹1000 per transaction.
300 Bonus Reward Points on first 3 payments.
2x Reward Points on purchases made during birthday month.
2 Reward Points on every ₹200 spent.

BOB Debit Card: It offers a diverse range of debit cards to meet various customer needs, from everyday transactions to premium lifestyle benefits.

The RuPay Qsparc NCMC Debit Card is listed among the best debit cards by Bank of Baroda and includes the following features:

Combines benefits of debit card and prepaid card.
Complimentary Airport Pickup and Drop Service.
Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access.
Combines benefits of debit card and prepaid card.
Suitable for all payment applications.

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Debit Card Limits and Charges

As of May 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated the guidelines on debit card usage, focusing on transaction limits and associated charges.

Here’s what you need to know:

ATM Withdrawal Limits: These limits vary based on the bank and the specific debit card variant.

For instance, HDFC Bank’s Platinum Chip Debit Card allows daily ATM withdrawals up to ₹1,00,000, while SBI’s Platinum International Debit Card offers similar limits.

Point of Sale (PoS) and Online Transactions: The transaction limits for PoS and online purchases are determined by individual banks and can vary based on the card type.
Contactless Payments: For contactless transactions, the RBI permits payments up to ₹5,000 per transaction without requiring a PIN.

ATM Withdrawal Charges

Customers are entitled to 5 free transactions (inclusive of financial and non-financial) at their card’s bank ATMs per month.

For other bank ATMs,

Metro Cities: 3 free transactions per month.
Non-Metro Cities: 5 free transactions per month.

Note that after the free transaction limit, a fee of ₹23 per transaction is applicable.

International ATM withdrawal charges vary by bank. For example, HDFC Bank levies a fee of ₹125 plus applicable taxes, while ICICI Bank charges a minimum of ₹150.

Contactless Debit Card and Benefits

A contactless debit card allows you to make payments just by tapping it on a machine, without swiping, inserting, or entering a PIN—up to a limit of ₹5,000, as allowed by RBI rules.

It uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to make transactions quick and easy. Hence it enables faster and more seamless transactions compared to traditional debit cards.

Here are some of the key benefits of contactless debit cards:

Faster transactions at retail outlets.
Secure payments through dynamic encryption.
Reduced physical contact, enhancing hygiene and convenience.
No PIN required for small-value transactions (within RBI-prescribed limit).
Accepted at all NFC-enabled terminals in India and abroad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there is no specific maximum limit for debit card transactions, and it is based on individual banks as per their internal policies and risk assessments.

The most ideal debit card for you can be determined based on your lifestyle and spending habits. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

If you enter your debit card PIN incorrectly 3 times, your card will be temporarily blocked for security reasons. This block typically lasts up to 24 hours, after which it may automatically lift. If not, you may need to contact your bank to unblock it.

The RuPay debit cards are promoted for domestic use with lower transaction costs, while Visa debit cards are accepted globally and offer value-added services. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize local savings or global usability.

A debit card typically includes the cardholder’s name, 16-digit card number, expiration date, CVV (Card Verification Value), and EMV chip for secure transactions. It is also linked to the user’s bank account for direct fund access.

Log in to your bank’s internet or mobile banking platform and go to the debit card tracking section, or use the tracking number provided via SMS on the courier’s website. You can also contact your bank’s customer service for assistance.

The CVV (Card Verification Value) is a 3-digit security code printed on the back of a debit card and is used to verify transactions and ensure the cardholder’s identity during online or phone purchases.

Usually, a debit card cannot be issued without a bank account, as it is linked to the account for transaction purposes. However, some banks offer prepaid cards that function similarly to debit cards without requiring a traditional bank account.

A contactless debit card allows users to make payments by simply tapping the card near a payment terminal, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, without the need to insert or swipe the card. It enhances convenience and security for small transactions.