[smw]

I think in the US, that type of card is referred to as a 'check card', and is basically a bank debit card with the additional ability to run it as a credit network (usually Visa) transaction with signature instead of PIN entry. Is that similar to what you have?

[dullgiulio]

I am not sure, they both operate with a chip and pin code. I think it really is just a difference on how the banks settle the transactions between themselves.