check card

A debit card that enables the user to withdraw funds from a checking account.

A card that combines characteristics of both a traditional (online) debit card and a credit card, allowing the cardholder to pay for goods and services directly from his or her bank account. As with a traditional debit card, a transaction using the offline debit card creates a debit against the cardholder's bank account. But unlike with a traditional debit card, no PIN is required during the transaction - all that is required is the user's signature. These cards are generally issued by credit card companies in association with the bank in which the account is held.

Also known as "check cards".

Investopedia Says:
This type of card will often have a maximum daily limit. If this is not the case, the maximum amount is based on the funds held in the underlying bank account. Because this debit card is "offline", the bank account is not accessed directly, meaning there's a delay of 24 to 72 hours before the amount of a purchase is debited from the account.

Related Links:
Not all plastic is equal! Learn the difference between the three kinds, and how each can affect your finances. Credit, Debit And Charge: Sizing Up The Cards In Your Wallet
We go over the impact it can have on your spending money AND your investment returns! Understanding Credit Card Interest
Not having enough money isn't necessarily the result of not earning enough money - learn to choose fortune over disaster. Seven Common Financial Mistakes

Visa or MasterCard debit card that deducts funds from a cardholder's checking account. Check cards are frequently accepted by restaurants and other merchants that also accept Visa or MasterCard credit cards as a replacement for personal checks.

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)