tarjeta de débito
/taɾˌxeta de ˈdebito/feminine
The English phrase "debit card" is tarjeta de débito in Spanish.
The term refers to a card used to take money directly from a bank account. When expressing that you are paying "with" a debit card, use the preposition con (e.g., con la tarjeta) rather than por.
Meaning: card taking money directly from the bank account (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tarjeta (card) and de débito (of debit).
Which one should you use?
While tarjeta de débito draws funds directly from a bank account, tarjeta de crédito refers to a credit card.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, tarjeta de redcompra is commonly used to refer to debit cards used within the national Redcompra network.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine. To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun tarjeta to tarjetas, while the prepositional phrase de débito remains unchanged (e.g., las tarjetas de débito).
How do you pronounce it?
/taɾˌxeta de ˈdebito/
Did you know?
- The word tarjeta is actually a diminutive of the ancient word tarja, which originally referred to a small plate or a notched tablet used for counting.
- When an ATM malfunctions and keeps your card, Spanish speakers often use the verb tragar (to swallow) to say the machine se tragó la tarjeta.
- Depending on the country, a shopkeeper might ask ¿Lleva tarjeta? which literally means 'Do you carry a card?' rather than 'Are you paying with a card?'
Examples in context
- El cajero automático se tragó mi tarjeta de débito.The ATM has swallowed my debit card.This sentence is useful for describing a situation where an ATM has swallowed your tarjeta de débito.Tatoeba #1080558 by hayastan, translation #564314 by sacredceltic
- Estoy pagando con esta tarjeta de débito.I am paying with this debit card.This sentence is useful for describing the act of paying with a tarjeta de débito.Tatoeba #8779366 by carlosalberto, translation #8779352 by carlosalberto
- Hola, quisiera solicitar una tarjeta de débitoHello, I would like to apply for a debit card
- ¿Puedo retirar dinero con mi tarjeta de cheques?Can I withdraw money with my debit card?
- Voy a pagar con tarjeta de débitoI'm going to pay with a debit card
- ¿Hay algún problema con mi tarjeta de débito?Is there any problem with my debit card?
- Necesito solicitar una tarjeta de débito nuevaI need to request a new debit card
- Quisiera reportar una tarjeta de débito perdida/robadaI would like to report a lost/stolen debit card
- ¿Aceptan tarjeta de débito?Do you accept debit card?
- Necesito una tarjeta de débito nueva.I need a new debit card.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are paying for their meal at a café.
- AlejandroVoy a pagar la cuenta, Elena.I am going to pay the bill, Elena.
- Elena¿Vas a usar efectivo o tarjeta?Are you going to use cash or a card?
- AlejandroUsaré mi tarjeta de débito.I will use my debit card.
- ElenaPerfecto, gracias Alejandro.Perfect, thank you Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “debit card” translations and entries tarjeta de débito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, débito, tarjeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
