GUIDES
GuidesCredit CardsA Guide: Credit Card vs Debit Card: What's the Difference and Which is Right for You?
LAST EDITED BY PRANAV KARNAD ON APRIL 17, 2025.
Deemed as one of the most popular modes of cashless payment, choosing the right credit card can be daunting, given the array of options available. Another common cause for the confusion could be the credit cards vs debit cards debate. While, on the face of it, both may seem similar, the features and operations differentiate the two.
So, what are the differences between credit cards and debit cards? Let’s find out.
It’s fairly easy to get confused between a credit card and a debit card, especially when they’ve been issued by the same bank. This relates in part to the fact that they are the same size and look somewhat the same. Further, both these cards are ordinarily accepted at many places and provide cardholders with the convenience of not having to carry any cash.
That said, the credit card and debit card differences relate to the account from which they draw money. While debit cards extract money from your banking account, credit cards charge the money to your credit line. Not sure what that means? Read on.
These are payment cards that deduct money directly from your savings account at the time of transaction. They are the most common cards issued when a savings account is opened with a bank. They can also be used to withdraw money from ATMs.
All debit cards have personal identification numbers (PINs) that may need to be used at stores and ATMs. Back in the day, credit card and debit card transaction receipts needed to be signed at the time of purchase, but nowadays, users have to enter a pin, so the need for a signature is not required in such cases. It is worth noting that debit card purchases can be made without interest having to be paid. Further, credit history isn’t impacted by the purchases you make with this card.
It is also important to understand that money is immediately deducted from your account when you pay with this card.
Credit cards make it possible to borrow money against your card’s credit limit. Your credit limit is an amount of money pre-approved by your bank that you can use as long as you repay the amount in the given time. These cards can be used to make ordinary transactions which are then listed on your bill. The credit card issuer pays what you owe for your purchase to the merchant. Once you receive your bill, you pay this amount to your card issuer.
Interest is charged on purchases if a balance is carried forward from one month to the next. Credit cards charge high rates of interest in comparison to loans. It is important to know that your credit card payment history, along with your credit score, can impact your overall credit score. Your credit history is used by a bank to determine what your credit limit ought to be.
Let's delve into the differences between credit and debit cards:
It is impossible to overspend with a debit card as your purchases are constrained by the amount that’s available in your bank account that your card is linked to. On the other hand, credit cards carry the risk of overspending. While you have credit limits given to you by your card issuer, this doesn’t mean you can spend all of it. Overspending here would mean spending more than you can afford to repay.
Debit cards provide the same conveniences that credit cards do without your having to borrow money or pay a fee or interest on each of your purchases. This only holds true in the case of credit cards, where annual fees and associated charges can be high.
Debit cards help with money management and encourage you to live within your means. Conversely, you can end up getting carried away with credit cards and can end up living beyond your means.
Credit cards bring with them certain perks like airline miles or discounts at certain hotel chains, lounge access at airports, or simply a percentage of spends as cashback. These perks are often given as rewards for choosing to make payments with your card provider. In certain instances, credit card providers may issue additional insurance on certain purchases and allow for easier refunds and returns. It isn’t the norm for debit cards to be linked with the same advantages and perks.
Credit cards are able to help cover expenses in emergencies and allow you to pay off your card prior to interest being added to your purchases. This can help you expense big payments prior to actually having the money needed to pay for it. It is important to be careful that you secure this money soon after, though, as emergency spending on a credit card can rack up high interest if it isn’t paid by the due date.
With a debit card, you are only entitled to the money that’s in your linked account. If you don’t have the funds needed to pay for an emergency, you can end up in a tough spot. It is best to create an emergency fund for yourself such that you don’t back yourself into a corner.
Credit cards carry with them the following advantages.
Some downsides of credit cards are as follows:
Debit cards carry with them the following advantages.
Some downsides of debit cards are as follows:
Having access to both a debit and credit card is ideal in today’s world as they allow for cashless transactions. They also make it possible to carry out online payments with ease. That said, each kind of card has its advantages and drawbacks. Understand what they are prior to spending money with them. Now that’s something worth checking out here.
The pros and cons of debit and credit cards have been discussed in the table below.
The advantages credit cards provide over debit cards are as follows.
The main difference between credit and debit cards is that debit cards deduct money from your account each time you make a transaction, and credit cards come with a credit limit that gets deducted every time you make a transaction. A credit card user has to pay the amount they spent through their card every month, while a debit card user pays as they spend. The money your credit card comes with is essentially borrowed from the bank, while the one in your debit card is connected to your account.
What works for you between the two can be completely subjective. Credit cards come in handy when you don't have sufficient funds for a bigger purchase, and debit cards come without the pressure of clearing dues every month. If you're good at managing your bills and sticking to your budget, credit cards can come in handy as they are more rewarding than debit cards. Plus, the money in your credit card is insured by the bank.
You can use a credit card to withdraw cash, but this comes with high fee. Withdrawing money from your credit card is seen as a cash advance or a short term loan that comes with a high fee. You should limit ATM withdrawal using your credit card to only emergency situations.
Yes, you can use your credit card like a debit card to get a cash advance at an ATM. However, it is a costly option. Credit card cash advances typically have a different limit compared to your purchase limit, and charge a higher APR with no grace period.
