PIN-Secured Debit vs. Signature-based Debit

PIN-secured debit, also known as an online debit transaction, is a transaction where the customer enters a Personal Identification Number ("PIN") into an encrypted PIN pad. The transaction is approved through a debit network (i.e. Interlink or STAR). Merchants must have a Debit Processing Service to process PIN-secured debit transactions.

A Signature debit, also known as Check Cards or an offline debit transaction, is a transaction where the customer signs the sales receipt, the same way as they would credit card transactions. The transaction is approved through a credit network (i.e. Visa or MasterCard). Cards must have either Visa or MasterCard logo on the debit card to process as a signature-based debit transactions.