Using a debit card online and abroad: what you need to know

If you find yourself doing more of your shopping online these days, you're not alone. According to a 2025 report from Payments Canada, 60% of Canadians made an online purchase in a given month, a number that continues to climb. Debit cards account for nearly a quarter (24%) of online purchases.

We shop online because it's easy and convenient, and the same goes for using debit and credit cards. While credit cards have their place, there's a lot to be said for debit. Spending money you already have — even if it's digital rather than physical — can be helpful for budgeting and may help some people manage spending. There are security benefits too.

You can make purchases using your chequing account while also enjoying the conveniences of a credit card with a card that offers Visa* Debit, like the Tangerine Client Card: plug it into an ABM to withdraw cash or tap it at the grocery store to stock up on necessities. It also lets you add your card to your mobile wallet and shop with debit at many merchants that accept Visa — even online or when you're out of the country.

“Debit has evolved well beyond everyday in-store purchases,” says Mitul Shah, director of payments at Tangerine. “Visa Debit gives you more ways to pay while helping you stay connected to the money you already have.”

Ready to make the most of your debit card? Here's what you need to know.

Can you use your debit card online and internationally?

Let's start by going over some definitions. A debit card (also called a client card) is linked to your bank account and lets you withdraw cash or pay in-store using your PIN or tap.

If your debit card has a Visa logo on it, you can use it anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. (Alternatively, some debit cards may have a Mastercard logo. They can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.)

The client card that comes with a Tangerine Chequing Account includes Visa Debit, so you can use it to pay for online and international purchases directly from your bank account. You can also use Visa Debit for contactless payments, whether by tapping your card or using your mobile wallet.

You may come across the terminology "card-present" and "card-not-present" transactions. The former means you're in a store and showing your debit card to pay, while the latter means you're shopping virtually online without presenting your card in person.

There are a few things to keep in mind while using Visa Debit online and internationally:

• Some transactions may still require a credit card rather than a Visa Debit card. For example, if you're booking a hotel room, they'll likely need a credit card number on file and a pre-authorization to verify your booking. This allows the merchant to place a temporary hold and settle the final bill later.

• To pay with Visa Debit, you need enough money in your account to cover the purchase, and if you don’t you won’t get a Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fee. This is a smart way to keep spending in check, but it can be less convenient.

• When you shop internationally using Visa Debit, the transaction will be converted to Canadian dollars and you may be charged a foreign transaction fee (commonly set at 2.5%). Note however that most Canadian credit cards also apply a similar foreign exchange (FX) fee.

Using your debit card: FAQs

Do I need to notify my bank before travelling?

It can be a good idea to let your bank know you'll be using your debit card abroad, whether you plan to withdraw cash at an ABM or shop with Visa Debit. But check with your bank to make sure they need to know.

Can I use debit for hotel or car rental holds?

You're probably going to have to use a credit card to reserve rental cars or hotel rooms, though in some cases you might be able to use your Visa Debit card to pay.

Will online merchants accept debit for recurring payments?

In general, you can use your Visa Debit card for recurring bill payments, such as for internet or streaming services. Just make sure you keep enough money in your account to cover those costs when the bill is due.

Benefits of using debit instead of credit for online purchases

Shopping online with a debit card instead of a credit card has some benefits. For example:

✅ Convenience: Making an online purchase with your Visa Debit card is frictionless, and it offers contactless and mobile wallet compatibility.

✅ Budgeting: Using your debit card means shopping with money you already have rather than going into debt. This can help if you're trying to stick to a budget or avoid overspending, or if you're trying to avoid using credit cards while you pay off a balance.

✅ Security: Tangerine debit cards offer peace of mind. You won't have to pay for unauthorized transactions thanks to Interac Zero Liability and Visa Zero Liability.

Read more: How to live the good life on a budget

Benefits of using a debit card while travelling

When you're outside Canada, you need a convenient way to make purchases — and ideally more than one, just in case. Your card with Visa Debit is a relatively safe option that lets you both shop and withdraw cash as needed. Some benefits include:

✅ Shop around the world using funds from your chequing account, anywhere Visa is accepted in most cases. Using a debit card rather than a credit card can help you stick to your travel budget.

✅ Minimize the risk of theft by carrying small amounts of foreign cash. You can withdraw cash as you need it or go entirely cashless, depending on the country you're visiting.

✅ Take out cash in local currencies at global ABMs.

Note that currency conversion and foreign transaction fees may apply.

Tips for using your debit card online

You can use your card with Visa Debit for all kinds of everyday online purchases, from ordering takeout and new jeans to signing up for streaming subscriptions and paying bills. Many travel bookings now accept debit as well.

The biggest difference between debit and credit is simple: the money must already be in your account. Double-check that your chequing account has a sufficient balance before you click the final "Purchase" button.

Before you shop, make sure you have everything you need on hand to complete your online debit transaction:

• Card number

• Expiry date

• CVV (card verification value, aka the three-digit code on the back of your card)

• Billing address

• Note that in some cases, such as hotel bookings, concert tickets or delivery services, the merchant might place a temporary pre-authorization on your account.

Debit card vs. credit card vs. cash

Are you paying with cash or a card? The best answer depends on the situation. Here are some things to consider.

Safety tips when spending online or abroad

No matter where or how you're shopping, it pays to keep security top of mind. Here are some tips to stay safe while spending online or abroad and protect yourself from fraud.

✅ Pack light: carry only the cards you need while travelling, and even while at home.

✅ Avoid public Wi-Fi when shopping online or checking your bank balance.

✅ Sign up for transaction alerts or mobile banking notifications so you can respond quickly to unauthorized transactions.

✅ Shop on secure websites: look for https (not just http) at the beginning of the URL.

✅ Skip suspicious-looking ABMs and hide your PIN when you type it in.

✅ Review your credit card and bank account transactions at least monthly to identify unfamiliar (potentially fraudulent) activity.

✅ Notify your bank if you'll be out of the country so they don't flag transactions. (If required, check with your bank first.)

Fees to watch out for when using a debit card internationally

International spending often comes with additional fees. Understanding them can help you avoid surprises.

Before you leave for your trip, consider creating a saved note on your phone with important money information: your daily budget, the local exchange rate and any fees to keep in mind while spending. Having this information on hand will help you make quick calculations while shopping at the artisan market or picking a restaurant for dinner.

Fees that might apply include:

• Foreign exchange fees when swapping Canadian cash for the local currency.

• Foreign transaction fees when making purchases with your debit or credit card. These are often around 2.5% depending on the provider and may be rolled into the exchange rate when you view the transaction in your account.

• Transaction fees for taking out cash at ABMs that don’t share your bank’s network.

• Markups at the merchant level for converting currency.

Common mistakes to avoid

Whether it's for security or to keep costs down, it's helpful to avoid common mistakes shoppers often make online or while travelling. These include:

❌ Relying only on debit while travelling can be limiting. Some merchants require credit cards and having one can help cover unexpected expenses.

❌ Ignoring foreign exchange fees. These costs can add a significant amount to your overall budget. Look for lower-cost options to pay for travel expenses and costs while you're on the road.

❌ Using unsecured websites. Keep your financial information safe by shopping and checking your financial information only on secure and trusted websites.

❌ Not keeping your bank up to date. Be sure to inform them when you're heading out of the country to avoid holds or other issues with your debit and credit cards.

❌ Not having a backup. Be sure to write down all your card information (and your passport too!) in case of loss or theft while traveling. And it helps to have alternate ways to pay if your default method doesn't work.

Making the most of your debit card at home and abroad

Debit is a convenient and secure way to shop, and Visa Debit extends those benefits by allowing you to make purchases online and internationally using the funds in your account.

Whether you're shopping at home or abroad, debit can be a practical tool for managing everyday spending — especially when you understand where it works best and where it doesn't.

^* Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.