There are two types of debit card transactions: the 'debit' option requires you to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete your transaction; the 'credit' option requires your signature.
DEBIT Option: When you pay for a purchase, the clerk will ask, 'debit or credit?' When you select the 'debit' option, you must enter your PIN after the card has been swiped through a point of sale terminal. With PIN transactions, funds are withdrawn from your checking account when the transaction occurs.
NOTE: The debit option must be selected if you wish to get cash back from the merchant at the time of transaction.
CREDIT Option: When you select the 'credit' option, it becomes a 'signature transaction.' You may be asked to sign or enter your PIN to verify the transaction; you may not need to do either. With a signature transaction, funds are held in your checking account at the time of purchase until the transaction posts to your account in one to three days.