Debit Card vs Credit Card: In today’s fast-paced world, electronic transactions have become an integral part of our daily lives. Debit cards and credit cards are two of the most common forms of electronic payment methods used by millions of people worldwide. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes and come with distinct features. Despite having the same appearance, they don’t always function the same. This article aims to explore the differences between debit cards and credit cards, helping you make an informed choice about which one suits your financial needs best.
Read Also: Mahila Samman Saving Certificate (MSSC) Scheme: all you need to know
Debit Card vs Credit Card: An Overview
Despite having similar appearances, debit and credit cards are very different from one another and are used extensively worldwide. A credit card is connected to a credit line that you can repay later, but a debit card deducts money straight from your bank account. We look at how each type of card works and whether it’s better to use one or the other.
- Debit and credit cards both allow cardholders to obtain cash and make purchases.
- 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).
- Credit cards help build a credit history, while debit cards don’t.
Read Also: 10 Ways AI is Revolutionizing Banking and Finance
How Debit Cards Work
Debit cards are provided by banks to their clients so they can get cash or make purchases without writing checks or going to the bank to speak with a teller. The customer’s checking (or occasionally savings) account is connected to the card.
Debit cards can be used for online and in-store purchases at retailers, as well as withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs). When a transaction is made with the card, funds are either taken out of the associated account right away or after a little while. Your card can be declined if there isn’t enough money in the account to fund the transaction.
You enter the debit card’s unique personal identification number (PIN) on the ATM keypad or at the point-of-sale terminal of the merchant. As an extra precaution, you could be prompted for the card’s validation code when making purchases online.
Most debit cards are linked to a processing network, such as Visa or Mastercard, allowing them to be used anywhere cards in that network are accepted.
Read Also: Bank of Baroda net banking fraud: What should you do?
How Credit Cards Work
Banks also provide credit cards, however there is a different application procedure. To apply, you are not need to maintain an account with that bank.
Credit cards provide a credit line that the user can borrow against, typically up to a predetermined limit, as opposed to being connected to a bank account. Cardholders can frequently avoid interest by repaying their entire balance during the grace period on their card. However, card issuers still charge interest on the money that cardholders borrow.
Other Key Differences Between Debit and Credit Cards
In addition to the distinctions mentioned above, debit and credit cards have some other differences. Among the most important ones:
Your credit score is unaffected by debit cards. The data that credit bureaus get from your different creditors—including credit card issuers—is what determines your credit score. Your credit score will improve if you routinely pay your obligations on time; however, missing or late payments will lower it. However, since debit cards don’t report to credit bureaus, they have no effect whatsoever on your score.
Debit cards don’t charge interest.Since you are not taking out a loan, you will not be charged interest on your debit card. If you spend more than you have available in your account and have overdraft protection on your card, the bank will lend you the amount to make up the difference, and you will be charged overdraft fees.
Credit cards often pay rewards.Many credit cards today have programs that reward cardholders with cash back or airline miles on their purchases. Some debit cards and checking accounts are starting to, as well, but their rewards tend to be less generous.
Credit cards have better consumer protections. Credit and debit cards are governed by different consumer laws. With a credit card, your liability for fraudulent charges is generally capped at $50 and sometimes at $0. With a debit card, you could (in the worst-case scenario) lose all of the money in your linked accounts.
Read Also: Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme: How to buy SGB online from SBI, other banks explained here
Which Is Better: Debit Card vs Credit Card?
Both credit and debit cards can be handy to have in your wallet. In fact, it is hard to get along in today’s financial world without one or both of them. Some merchants won’t even accept cash anymore.
Credit cards can be especially useful if you need to make a large purchase or face a financial emergency and don’t have enough cash available in your checking account.
Debit cards, on the other hand, can be helpful for staying within your budget and not spending money you don’t have. Credit cards are an easy way to get into financial trouble if you’re someone who might be inclined to.
If you’re trying to build a credit history, or repair a damaged one, a credit card used responsibly can be a practical way to accomplish that. In fact, there are credit cards designed largely for that purpose: student credit cards, starter credit cards, and secured credit cards.
Disclaimer: The article or blog or post (by whatever name) in this website is based on the writer’s personal views and interpretation of Act. The writer does not accept any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of information and for any actions taken in reliance thereon.Also, www.finnbuzz.com and its members do not accept any liability, obligation or responsibility for author’s article and understanding of user.
