Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (2024)

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (8)

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (9)

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  • Introduction
  • How credit and debit cards work
  • The effect of credit and debit on your finances
  • Security and fraud protection for your cards

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Credit and debit cards may look similar, but their features and uses are very different. Knowing when and how to use each can help you build a stronger credit history and keep your debt levels down.

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (14)

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (15)

How credit and debit cards work

Both cards can help you purchase things, but they draw money from different sources. This impacts how you can use them.

Origin of funds

Credit

You borrow money from a lending institution and pay back some or all of it each month.

Debit

Money comes directly out of your checking account.

How funds are deducted

Credit

When you use your credit card, the credit card company pays the vendor for the purchase.

Debit

When you use your debit card, the funds are transferred from your account.

Access to funds

Credit

You have a credit limit that affects how much you can borrow; it is typically based on your creditworthiness.

Debit

You can access only the available money in your account; otherwise, you may face potential fees.

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (16)

Did you know?

Choosing the right credit card is dependent on what you want to get out of it. It’s important to consider the potential fees, penalties and annual percentage rates (APR), as well as the benefits of each.

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (17)

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (18)

The effect of credit and debit on your finances

You may find it easier to manage day-to-day finances with a debit card because you can only spend the money available in your bank account. At the same time, it’s also worth considering the credit-building potential of using a credit card.

Spending

Credit

You can make a purchase even if you don’t have available funds at the time of purchase, so it can be easy to go over budget.

Debit

Spending limits are pretty concrete—which may help you to keep to your budget.

Potential charges

Credit

In general, interest is charged if you don’t pay your balance in full. You may also be charged for making late payments.

Debit

There are no interest charges. But you may be charged fees for spending more than what’s in your account.

Perks

Credit

Many cards offer rewards, such as frequent flyer miles, points, cash back or gift cards.

Debit

In addition to using your debit card in stores and online, you can also access cash from your checking account at ATMs or through cash back when making purchases.

Credit score

Credit

On-time payments could bolster your credit score.

Debit

It doesn’t affect your credit history, so using it won’t help or hurt your credit score.

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (19)

Quick tip

Paying off your credit card balance monthly can help you keep your finances in order and improve your credit score.

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (20)

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (21)

Security and fraud protection for your cards

Most credit and debit cards offer you some protections against unauthorized purchases. However, it’s important to monitor charges on both cards regularly.

Fraud protection

Credit

Since funds aren’t withdrawn immediately, you may be protected from fraud or theft. If you misplace your card, you may be able to temporarily lock it via Mobile or Online Banking.

Debit

You may be asked to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize purchases. If you misplace your card, you may also be able to temporarily lock it via Mobile or Online Banking.

Reimbursem*nt

Credit

You may be reimbursed for goods that are damaged in transit.

Debit

If goods are damaged, you will likely need to deal with the merchant.

Liability if lost or stolen

Credit

Most cards have $0 liability protection for fraudulent purchases. You may report the theft or loss in a timely manner to dispute fraudulent charges.

Debit

Some debit cards offer $0 liability protection. Otherwise, you may pay a maximum of $50 if you notify the bank within two days of learning the card is missing. After that the liability may increase to $500. Notice must be given within 60 days of your statement being sent to you. After 60 days, the liability is unlimited.1


  1. Federal Trade Commission.

    * Notify Bank of America within a reasonable time of the unauthorized use or the loss or theft of your card, card number, or PIN. Certain restrictions apply. Consult your account documents for details.

Disclaimer

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The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Bank of America Corporation and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management. ©2024 Bank of America Corporation.

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Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards (2024)

FAQs

Credit vs Debit: The Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards? ›

The main difference between a credit card and a debit card comes down to whether you're borrowing money from a line of credit or spending money in your checking account. Credit cards can be used to build credit, while debit cards can't. There are other differences related to interest, fees, fraud coverage and rewards.

What is the difference between debit card and credit card answer? ›

Debit cards are linked to the user's bank account and limited by how much money is in there. Credit cards provide the user with a line of credit that they can borrow against as needed and pay back later. Credit cards charge interest on the money the cardholder borrows (unless it's paid back within the grace period).

What is the difference between credit and debit short answer? ›

Tip. Debits are money going out of the account; they increase the balance of dividends, expenses, assets and losses. Credits are money coming into the account; they increase the balance of gains, income, revenues, liabilities, and shareholder equity.

What are the key differences between credit and debit cards choose all correct answers? ›

Debit cards allow you to spend money by drawing on funds you have deposited at the bank. Credit cards allow you to borrow money from the card issuer up to a certain limit to purchase items or withdraw cash. You probably have at least one credit card and one debit card in your wallet.

What is the most important difference between credit and debit cards? ›

What's the difference? When you use a debit card, the funds for the amount of your purchase are taken from your checking account almost instantly. When you use a credit card, the amount will be charged to your line of credit, meaning you will pay the bill at a later date, which also gives you more time to pay.

What are three differences between a debit card and a credit card? ›

The main difference between a credit card and a debit card comes down to whether you're borrowing money from a line of credit or spending money in your checking account. Credit cards can be used to build credit, while debit cards can't. There are other differences related to interest, fees, fraud coverage and rewards.

What is a credit card in simple words? ›

What is a credit card in simple words? A credit card is a physical payment card that allows you to get credit from a financial institution. You can use the pre-approved limit to make purchases and repay the borrowed amount with an interest each month within your billing cycle.

How do you remember the difference between debit and credit? ›

Credits go on the right side. That's already the first main rule you have to remember: Debit means left, credit means right. Debit and credit do not mean plus or minus.

Is debit and credit different? ›

debit is an amount that is paid out from one account and results in an increase in assets. Credit is the amount owed that must be paid by the creditor by the debtor.

What is debit in simple words? ›

to take money out of an account or keep a record of this: The bank debited my account. The bank debited the money from my account.

What is one of the biggest problems with using a debit card? ›

Here are some cons of debit cards: They have limited fraud protection. According to the Federal Trade Commission, if your debit card is stolen and you notify your bank within two days, you could be responsible for up to $50 of any fraudulent charges.

What are 5 advantages of credit cards? ›

Credit card benefits
  • Rewards such as cash back, miles, or points.
  • Protection against fraud.
  • Increased purchasing power.
  • Not linked to a checking or savings account.
  • Putting a hold on a rental car or hotel room.
  • Building credit history.
Sep 13, 2023

What are 3 things that credit and debit cards have in common? ›

What are the similarities between a Credit Card and Debit Card?
  • Both types of cards allow you to withdraw cash instantly from an ATM. ...
  • Both credit and debit cards allow you to shop online quickly, safely and securely. ...
  • They are both a fast and convenient way to undertake financial transactions.

What are the disadvantages of a credit card? ›

What are the disadvantages of using a credit card? Credit cards have a few disadvantages, such as high interest charges, overspending by the cardholders, risk of frauds, etc. Additionally, there may also be a few additional expenses such as annual fees, fees of foreign transactions, expenses on cash withdrawal, etc.

Why do people use credit cards more than debit? ›

Credit cards are convenient and secure, they help build credit, they make budgeting easier, and they earn rewards. And no, you don't have to go into debt, and you don't have to pay interest.

Are credit cards good or bad? ›

A credit card might be the right choice for you, but you have to consider it as a very serious financial decision. Getting a credit card at 18 can help you begin building credit, when used responsibly. However, if you don't keep up with payments, credit card debt will create a big financial mess.

What are debit card and credit card interview questions? ›

Debit card or linked to the user's bank account and limited by how much money is in there . Credit card provide the us... Credit cards allow borrowing money while debit cards use funds from a linked account. Credit cards charge interest on unpaid balances while debit cards do not.

What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card quizlet? ›

The difference is that a debit card allows spending only funds deposited at the bank. A credit card allows borrowing money from the bank and paying in rates with interest.

What are debit and credit examples? ›

Solved Example
ParticularsDebitCredit
Cash Account Dr. To Capital Account (Being cash introduced in business)1,00,0001,00,000
Rent Account Dr. To Cash Account (Being Rent paid)10,00010,000
Loan Payable Account Dr. To Cash Account (Loan being repaid by the business)50,00050,000

What does debit card mean? ›

A debit card is a payment card that deducts money directly from your checking account. Also called “check cards” or "bank cards," debit cards can be used to buy goods or services or to get cash from an ATM.

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