A debit card versus a credit card?

A debit card is issued by a bank to be used in stores. Unlike with a credit card where a user borrows money and pays it back later, when a debit card is used money is deducted directly from the user's checking account.

Banks and merchants often charge a transaction fee when a debit card is used. A debit card also offers less protection against fraudulent use than a credit card since money gets deducted from the user's account immediately.

Many banks issue a debit card to be used with a user's checking account. A debit card can also often be used at ATMs - sometimes an extra fee is charged for such use.