cash card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, leaning informal. Common in everyday consumer banking contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cash card” mean?
A plastic card, typically issued by a bank, used to withdraw physical money (cash) from an ATM.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plastic card, typically issued by a bank, used to withdraw physical money (cash) from an ATM.
More broadly, any card that can be used to access cash from an automated teller machine or to get cashback at a point of sale. Historically, the term sometimes referred to simpler, ATM-only cards, distinct from debit cards with broader payment functions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'ATM card' or 'debit card' are more frequent terms for the same object, though 'cash card' is understood.
Connotations
In the UK, it often carries a slightly dated or specific connotation, potentially implying a basic banking product. In the US, it may sound somewhat British or formal.
Frequency
High frequency in UK consumer finance. Lower frequency in US English, where 'ATM card' or 'debit card' dominate.
Grammar
How to Use “cash card” in a Sentence
use a cash card at an ATMwithdraw money with a cash cardhave/be issued a cash cardinsert your cash cardVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cash card” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cash-card fee has been waived.
- He used a cash-card transaction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail banking, refers to a specific product tier for basic account holders.
Academic
Rare; might appear in socio-economic studies on financial inclusion.
Everyday
Common: 'I need to pop to the cashpoint with my cash card.'
Technical
In fintech, may specify a card with limited functionality compared to full debit cards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cash card”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cash card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cash card”
- Spelling as one word: 'cashcard' (less common).
- Using it interchangeably with 'credit card' in teaching contexts without clarification.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, often yes, especially in the UK where most debit cards function as cash cards. Historically, a cash card was ATM-only, while a debit card could also be used for retail purchases.
Typically, no. A pure 'cash card' (ATM card) lacks the 16-digit number and security features (CVV) needed for online payments. For online shopping, you need a debit or credit card.
Contact your bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. They will cancel the card to prevent unauthorized withdrawals and issue a replacement.
No, it's standardly written as two separate words: 'cash card'. The hyphenated form 'cash-card' is occasionally seen as an attributive adjective (e.g., cash-card fraud).
A plastic card, typically issued by a bank, used to withdraw physical money (cash) from an ATM.
Cash card is usually neutral, leaning informal. common in everyday consumer banking contexts. in register.
Cash card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CASH + CARD: the card you use to get CASH. It's literally in the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY to a money vault (the ATM).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'cash card' MOST commonly used?