Credit cards contain borrowed (credit) funds that you take from the bank. They then need to be returned with interest. Debit cards contain your personal money, which you can spend without any interest, paying only a small commission to the bank for servicing transactions.
Credit cards allow you to borrow money up to a limit to make purchases, requiring repayment with interest if not paid in full by the due date. Debit cards, on the other hand, withdraw funds directly from your bank account, preventing overspending since you can only use available funds.
Credit and debit cards also differ in their application requirements. A debit card is easy for anyone to apply for, while credit card applications are more stringent, requiring the bank to verify your income and solvency, as well as a good credit history.
Debit pulls your own funds instantly; credit uses the bank’s funds and you settle later—often with rewards but potential interest if you don’t clear the balance. I top up my HFM account with debit card only to not pay extra fees
Credit and debit cards differ in how they access money. A debit card withdraws funds directly from your bank account for purchases, while a credit card lets you borrow money up to a set limit, which you repay later. Credit cards may offer rewards or interest-free periods, unlike debit cards.