M&T Business Debit Card F A Qs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the M&T Business Debit Card. 

What is the M&T Business Debit Card?

The M&T Business Debit Card serves as your ATM card, but you can also use it to make purchases. The funds for purchases you make in stores or online are withdrawn directly from your business checking account, so you can carry an all-in-one ATM card with debit-based (versus credit-based) purchasing power. All M&T Business Debit Cards feature a Visa® logo, which enables you to use the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted – at millions of retail locations worldwide.

​​​​You can pay for everyday business purchases, from office supplies to invoices to travel expenses and more – no purchase is too small. When you make a purchase with an M&T Business Debit Card, the cashier or the card reader will ask whether you want to use your card as "debit" or "credit." Both options will work and you will not be charged a fee for purchases in the U.S. And because of new chip technology, your purchases are better protected from fraud and counterfeit transactions when used at a chip-enabled terminal.

There are two ways to process your transaction – either way, the money will come directly from your M&T business checking account.​​

  • If y​ou select DEBIT, enter your personal identification number (PIN) to authorize the transaction. The payment will be processed through a PIN network. Some participating merchants may also give you the option to receive cash back when you make a debit purchase, similar to accessing an ATM.
  • If you select CREDIT, simply sign for your purchase (like a credit card) instead of entering your PIN, if required. When using your M&T Business Debit Card as "credit," it does not actually draw money from a credit card line of credit, but rather the money comes from your M&T business checking account.​​
M&T does not charge fees for using your M&T Debit Card for purchases in the U.S.; however, fees will apply if you use your card outside the U.S., including online purchases with a merchant located outside of the U.S. You must have sufficient funds available in your account. In addition, other fees, including overdraft fees may apply to your deposit account or linked overdraft line of credit, or credit card account, according to the terms of your account.
If there is not enough money available in your business checking account for the purchase and you have enrolled in an optional business overdraft protection service, funds needed to cover your purchase may be paid under the terms of your overdraft protection. Overdraft protection is available through a link to an M&T business savings account, M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit or M&T Business Access Line of Credit. M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit and M&T Business Access Line of Credit are subject to receipt of a complete M&T application, credit approval and other conditions. Fees apply for the use of overdraft services.
If there is not enough money available in your business checking account for the purchase and you have enrolled in an optional business overdraft protection service, funds needed to cover your purchase may be paid under the terms of your overdraft protection. Overdraft protection is available through a link to an M&T business savings account, M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit or M&T Business Access Line of Credit. M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit and M&T Business Access Line of Credit are subject to receipt of a complete M&T application, credit approval and other conditions. Fees apply for the use of overdraft services.
If there is not enough money available in your business checking account for the purchase and you have enrolled in an optional business overdraft protection service, funds needed to cover your purchase may be paid under the terms of your overdraft protection. Overdraft protection is available through a link to an M&T business savings account, M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit or M&T Business Access Line of Credit. M&T Business Overdraft Line of Credit and M&T Business Access Line of Credit are subject to receipt of a complete M&T application, credit approval and other conditions. Fees apply for the use of overdraft services.

There are several reasons the M&T Business Debit Card offers even more flexibility than a check:

  • Checks often have limited acceptance, especially out of town – the debit card is accepted at millions of locations worldwide​
  • A debit card purchase is faster than paying by check – there's no waiting for time-consuming check authorization
  • Checkbooks can be cumbersome to carry around – the card fits into your wallet, so it's always with you
  • You can use your card to pay for online or phone purchases

Absolutely. You can request a card with your company's logo, imagery or photos. Read more about M&T Business Custom Cards​​.

Use of the M&T Custom Card design service is subject to program Terms and Conditions and Image Guidelines.

Use your M&T Business Debit Card instead of cash or checks anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted at millions of locations worldwide, including online and over the phone.

Yes, you can use your card to pay for phone or online transactions. 

When you receive your card in the mail, simply call the number shown on the sticker on the front of your card. Once the card is activated, remove the sticker and sign the signature panel on the back of the card.

You can access up to four checking, four savings and two Line of Credit accounts. 

With the M&T Business Debit Card, record keeping is easy. Each purchase is detailed on your monthly checking account statement with the transaction date, amount, merchant name and location. You can access your account information online or on your phone with M&T Online Banking for Business and M&T Mobile for Business. Your balance is also available 24 hours a day by calling the automated Customer Service line at 1-800-724-6070.

Use of these features and services requires Internet and/or data access through a computer or mobile device. Subject to availability and the same limitations as any service available through the Internet. M&T Bank is not responsible for matters that are outside of its reasonable control that might impact availability and functionality. M&T Bank reserves the right to suspend service for any reason at any time. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply. Fees may apply for optional services provided through M&T Online Banking. View the M&T Digital Services Agreement for additional details.

Purchase returns will appear in M&T Online and Mobile Banking, although access to the funds will not be available until the return is cleared by the store or service provider. 

Purchase returns may take up to three business days to process; any questions regarding the status of a return should be directed to the store or service provider from which you made the return. 

If you think there is an error involving a transaction made with your M&T Business Debit Card, such as a purchase you didn't make or an incorrect amount charged to your card, notify us as soon as you discover the error.

Contact us by calling the M&T Telephone Banking Center at 1-800-724-6070 or by writing to:

Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
P.O. Box 767
Buffalo, New York 14240-0767

If you have a problem with any goods or services you purchase using the card, please attempt to settle any disputes arising from the problem directly with the merchant who provided the goods or services. For more details, please refer to the Electronic Banking Card and Telephone Transaction Disclosure and Agreement you received with your card.

If you would like to order a replacement card, you can:

​If your card is lost or stolen, you should immediately call the M&T Telephone Banking Center at 1-800-724-6070 or stop by an M&T branch​ to report the incident.

To minimize the amount of any loss you may be responsible for, notify us immediately if your card gets lost or stolen. The Visa® Zero Liability Policy​ provides reimbursement for unauthorized transactions made through the Visa network.

The Visa Zero Liability Policy covers U.S.-issued cards only and does not apply to certain commercial card transactions, transactions not processed by Visa, or if you are grossly negligent or fraudulent in handling your card or card number. Notify M&T Bank immediately of any unauthorized use. See your cardholder agreement for more details.
M&T Business Debit Card and ATM Card for Business (with All-Activity option) cardholders must be authorized signers on all deposit accounts linked to their cards.
Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.
Unless otherwise specified, all advertised offers and terms and conditions of accounts and services are subject to change at any time without notice. After an account is opened or service begins, it is subject to its features, conditions and terms, which are subject to change at any time in accordance with applicable laws and agreements. Please contact an M&T representative for details.