The BBVA Compass Visa® Check Card

Qualifying Purchases

To make sure that you're getting the most out of your Check Card, follow these helpful tips to make sure your purchases qualify.

There are two ways to use your Check Card to make a pur­chase. The choices are either "debit" or "credit." It doesn't matter whether you swipe the card yourself, or hand it to a clerk, or enter it online. With either "debit" or "credit" you pay exactly the same amount and the money comes from exactly the same place—your checking account.

So what's the difference?
That's a good question. And the answer is clear. When you choose "credit," you'll enjoy all the extra benefits like Check Card Rewards and Purchase Protection. These benefits do not apply to transactions where you used your PIN.

But it's not a credit card, don't I have to press "debit"?
No, you have a choice. Check Cards can be processed as either a "credit" or "debit" transaction. Either way the money comes out of your checking account. Only when you choose "credit" do you get Check Card Rewards and Purchase Protection.

Sometimes the terminal asks for my PIN right away. What then?
Easy. Just press "cancel" and let the cashier know you want to make a credit transaction. The terminal will give you instructions. You'll be able to complete the sale and still enjoy the full benefits of your Check Card.

If I choose "credit" will I be charged interest?
No. Any time you make a purchase with your Check Card—regardless of whether you select "debit" or "credit"—the amount of your purchase is automatically deducted from your checking account. You don't accumulate balances, so you don't pay interest.

What exactly is a "Qualifying Purchase?"
A "Qualifying Purchase" is any signature-based purchase, Internet purchase, phone or mail-order purchase, bill payment, or small dollar purchase for which you are not required to sign, made with an enrolled Visa card, which is processed or submitted through the Visa U.S.A. Inc. payment system. A Qualifying Purchase does not include a purchase made using a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or purchase you initiate through identification technology that substitutes for a PIN. For more infor­mation on qualifying purchases, see Visa Extras terms and conditions.

Check card subject to approval.