Bank cards

What is a bank card and an IBAN account
A bank card is a plastic or virtual key to your bank account with an IBAN. The funds are not stored on the card; they are kept in the account which has an international IBAN number.
The card allows you to conveniently pay in stores, withdraw cash and make online payments, but all transactions are reflected on the account balance. Service terms vary between banks and can change, so it’s important to check the bank’s current fees before applying.

Main card types
Cards are classified by purpose and rules of use. Most commonly encountered are debit and credit cards, as well as virtual solutions and premium products for customers with higher requirements.
Each type has its own advantages and limitations, so the choice depends on daily security needs and the desired level of service. Do not rely solely on advertising because rates and bonuses can change.

Debit and credit
A debit card is linked to your account and uses available funds. It is convenient for receiving salary and daily payments with minimal risk of overdrawing.
A credit card gives access to credit funds under the credit limit and the grace period. It is a tool for temporary financing, but fees may follow if the repayment conditions are not met.

Virtual and premium cards
Virtual cards exist only in electronic form and are suitable for secure online purchases. They are conveniently issued and closed without physical plastic but are linked to the same IBAN account.
Premium cards offer additional services and insurance but may have higher service fees. Before choosing, consider whether the benefits justify the extra costs.

What the cost of use consists of
The cost of using a card is made up of several components. This includes issuance and maintenance fees, cash withdrawal and interbank transfer charges, as well as currency conversion when paying abroad.
Terms vary significantly between banks, so you need to read the tariff documents carefully. Remember that promotions can temporarily change or cancel fees and commissions.

Typical expense items
For example, a hypothetical example will help to understand the order of magnitude. Suppose the annual service fee is 1200 units and the monthly fee is 100 units — this is just an example and does not reflect real tariffs.
Another example is cash withdrawal where the bank may charge a fixed amount or a percentage of the sum. Again, this is an illustration, not a recommendation, so check the bank's tariffs for exact figures.

Selection criteria for different scenarios
For a payroll card, reliability, free internal transfers and the ability to withdraw cash without fees are important. It's also useful if the card has simple mobile banking setup and account statements.
For shopping, pay attention to cashback or loyalty programmes and to the level of protection for online transactions. For travel, favourable conversion rates and the ability to receive no-fee servicing abroad are important.

How to compare offers and what to check
Compare the full package of costs, not individual items. Look at the annual cost of servicing, the average cost of withdrawing cash abroad, and the fees for card transactions online.
Check conditions for tariff changes and the presence of hidden fees. Pay attention to limit restrictions and to the terms of bonus programmes which may have additional requirements.

Tips for using the card
Keep your card details in a safe place and use two-factor authentication for mobile banking. Check statements monthly to quickly spot suspicious transactions.
If an example of expense planning is needed, you can take a hypothetical 1000 units per month and distribute them by category. This is an example to understand proportions but it is not advice on specific rates.