What is the difference between a PIN purchase and signature purchase?
Some participating merchants provide you the option of either selecting Debit and entering your PIN or selecting Credit and signing for your purchase. If you select Debit and enter your PIN, a participating merchant allows you to receive cash back over your purchase amount at the register whereas if you select Credit and sign for your purchase there is no cash back option. Use your card however you choose.
My debit card is going to expire soon. What should I do?
You should receive a new card in the mail two weeks to a month before you current card expires. If you do not receive your new card a week before the expiration date, call customer service at 1-800-617-7480, and select option 7.
What ATMs can I use with my debit card?
Commerce Bank ATMs and PLUS ATMs. PLUS is an ATM network that allows you to access cash from your Commerce Bank accounts worldwide. Just look for the PLUS logo on the ATM. There may be a fee at non-Commerce ATMs. See your Personal Checking fee schedule for details.
Can I keep track of my debit card transactions?
Yes. You can track your purchases and daily balance through Online Banking. Plus, your monthly checking account statement will detail all of your debit card transactions, including where and when each purchase was made.
Will I be charged fees for using my debit card internationally or when purchasing online from international merchants?
Yes. You will be charged a Service Assessment fee of 3% of any purchase, cash withdrawal and cash advance made outside the U.S. in U.S. Dollars (Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean). Transactions made over the internet in U.S. Dollars submitted by a merchant with a non U.S. address are subject to the service assessment fee. You will be charged an International Service fee of 3% of any purchase, cash withdrawal and cash advance made outside the U.S. and is not in U.S. Dollars. (Euros, Pesos, etc.)
What is the process for a typical debit card transaction?
• You present your debit card to make a purchase.
• The merchant takes your card to process an authorization or, if a PIN pad is available, requests that you swipe your card.
• The transaction information is sent to the processing network and Commerce Bank. November 2014
• The purchase amount is deducted directly from your checking account. NOTE: It can take 1-2 days for certain transactions to post to your account.
Why does Commerce Bank place a “hold” on certain types of transactions?
Account deductions can’t be cleared until the final amount is known. Therefore, a “hold” may be placed on funds to cover the estimated cost of certain transactions, such as at gas stations. This ensures that you don’t spend more money than you have and merchants are paid for each transaction. While most holds are usually less than 24 hours, Commerce Bank will remove all holds within 72 hours.
What happens when I return a purchase?
• The merchant authorizes the refund and sends the transaction information to its financial institution, either electronically or by phone.
• The merchant’s financial institution processes the refund transaction and credits your checking account. NOTE: Even if a return is made on the same day as the purchase, the credit may not be applied in real time and your daily spending limit may still be affected by that purchase.
Disclosures:
† To send an email that contains confidential information, please visit the Secure Message Center where there are additional instructions about whether to use Secure Email or Online Banking messaging.
