Debit Cards

The transaction amount will be deducted from your available balance on the same day. However it can take several days for the funds to be debited from your account. 

The time it takes for the money to reach the retailer is dependent upon the terms of the contract with their merchant qcquirer (bank).

Some retailers may charge you a small fee for using your debit card. This is a commercial decision and can vary from retailer to retailer. 

You should be aware that if you buy foreign currency or travellers cheques using your debit card it may be treated like a cash transaction so your bank may charge you. If they do, as with all competitive charges, it will be outlined in your terms and conditions. The travel exchange bureau/provider may also charge you for using your debit card but this should always be made clear to you up front.

Your protection is greater if you use a credit card and the transaction is for an amount between £100 and £30,000. This is because the credit card issuer is jointly liable under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if the goods received are faulty or if they are not received at all, e.g. if the company goes out of business. In these circumstances the credit cardholder will be able to get their money back from their card issuer but the debit cardholder probably wouldn't.