What Is a "POS Debit" Charge on My Bank Statement?

POS Debit means a Point of Sale debit transaction — your debit card was used to make a payment, either at a physical store terminal or online.

Plain-English explanation

POS (Point of Sale) Debit is how your bank labels debit card transactions at merchants. Every time you pay by card at a store, restaurant, or online checkout, your bank records it as a POS Debit followed by the merchant name. It covers in-person purchases, contactless taps, and chip card payments.

Most common reasons this appears

• In-store card payment at a retailer, grocery store, or restaurant
• Online purchase where you used your debit card details
• Contactless tap payment via phone or card
• ATM cash withdrawal styled as POS in some banks

How to verify this charge

• Read the full descriptor — the merchant name usually follows 'POS Debit'.
• Match the amount and merchant to a recent in-store or online purchase.
• Contact the merchant directly or your bank if the charge is unrecognized.

When to be concerned

• Merchant name you've never visited or heard of.
• Amount doesn't match any purchase you recall.
• POS Debit charge on a card you don't use regularly.

Part of: Payment processors & POS →