What Is a Debit Card
Your Allied Bank debit card is linked directly to your Allied Bank current or savings account. Every purchase or withdrawal immediately reduces your account balance. There is no borrowing involved, so you cannot spend money you do not have. This makes debit cards a simple, low-risk way to manage daily expenses.
What Is a Credit Card
A credit card provides a revolving credit facility based on your income and credit history. Allied Bank assigns you a credit limit, which you can use for purchases and payments. You repay the amount used by the monthly due date. If you carry an unpaid balance beyond the due date, a markup is charged on the outstanding amount at the applicable annual rate.
Key Differences Between Credit and Debit Cards
| Feature | Debit Card vs Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Source of Funds | Debit Card: Your own account balance Credit Card: A borrowed credit line |
| Spending Limit | Debit Card: Based on account balance Credit Card: Based on approved credit limit |
| Markup or Interest | Debit Card: None Credit Card: Applies to unpaid balances |
| Credit History Needed | Debit Card: Not required Credit Card: Considered for approval |
| Repayment | Debit Card: Not applicable Credit Card: Monthly repayment is due |
| Best For | Debit Card: Everyday spending Credit Card: Large purchases and instalments |
Allied Bank Debit Card Options
Allied Bank offers several debit tiers to match different needs and account types. Every tier includes contactless payment and full management through the myABL app.
Elevated limits and merchant discounts, one step below Infinite.
Mid-tier card with domestic CIP airport lounge access.
A digital-only card for online purchases, with no physical form.
Issued to Roshan Digital Account and Foreign Currency account holders.
Dual-network card with gold-tier merchant discounts.
Entry-level dual-network card for domestic and UnionPay markets.
Designed for Basic Banking and Asaan account holders.
A card-free option that turns your phone into a payment device.
Allied Bank Credit Card Options
Allied Bank issues two variants of credit cards, both on the Visa network.
The standard option, built for everyday credit use and first-time cardholders, suitable for customers looking for a straightforward credit card for regular purchases and payments.
The premium option, with a higher credit limit, particularly for customers who value travel-related benefits and enhanced card features.
Security Features on Both Cards
Every Allied Bank card carries an EMV chip, making it far harder to clone than older magnetic stripe cards. Visa-network cards use 3D Secure, sending a One-Time Password (OTP) for online/eCommerce transactions. You can block a lost or compromised card instantly through the myABL app. Moreover, a dedicated Fraud Risk Management team monitors debit card and credit card transactions in real time to detect suspicious/fraudulent transactions on a 24×7 basis.
The customers do not need to visit a branch to activate new cards. The Self Card Activation Service lets you activate your debit card and credit card through the myABL app and myABL online portal in a few steps.
Which Card Should You Choose
Choose a debit card if you want to spend only what you already have. Choose a credit card if you want a revolving credit or travel rewards. Many customers hold both, using debit for daily spending and credit for larger purchases. Your income, spending habits and comfort with monthly repayment should guide the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use a debit card and a credit card together?
Yes. Many Allied Bank customers hold both cards for different purposes. The debit card handles daily transactions, while the credit card covers larger purchases with flexible repayment.
Q. Do debit cards charge interest?
No. Debit cards draw directly from your account, so no interest or markup applies. You only spend what is already in your account balance.
Q. What documents do I need for an Allied Bank credit card?
You need a valid CNIC, recent salary slips or business income proof, and bank statements for the past six months. Approval depends on Allied Bank's credit assessment.
Q. Is it safer to use a credit card online?
Both card types use 3D Secure for online purchases on the Visa network, which makes online transactions completely secure.
Q. How do I activate a new Allied Bank card?
Use the Self Card Activation Service through the myABL app, myABL online portal or myABL WhatsApp Banking. Enter your card details, set a PIN and start using it right away.