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The Daily Insight Hub

How are ATM and debit cards alike?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on January 20, 2026

A debit card is somewhat similar to an ATM card because it can be used to take out cash. It is also tied to a checking or savings account which will reflect a withdrawal made in real time. If there’s one thing that a debit card can do which an ATM card can’t, it is to make purchases.

What are the similarities and differences between a credit card and a debit card?

1 Both can make it easy and convenient to make purchases in stores or online, with one key difference. 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 in order to purchase items or withdraw cash.

Is ATM card a credit or debit card?

An automated teller machine (ATM) card and a debit card are similar. However, while both cards can allow you to withdraw cash, usually only a debit card has a Visa or Mastercard log allowing it to be used to purchase goods and services. An ATM card can only be used to withdraw funds from your account.

What do debit and credit cards have in common?

Credit cards and debit cards are similar in several ways. Both provide the convenience of not having to pay with cash, which is important when traveling or making expensive purchases. Additionally, both are issued by a financial institution.

Can we use debit card in ATM?

You can use your debit card in most stores to pay for something. You just swipe the card and enter your PIN number on a key pad. Debit cards let you get cash quickly. You can use your debit card at an automated teller machine, or ATM, to get money from your checking account.

Which is better ATM or debit card?

An ATM card is a PIN-based card, used to transact in ATMs only. While a Debit Card, on the other hand, is a much more multi-functional card. They are accepted for transacting at a lot of places like stores, restaurants, online in addition to ATM.

Can I pay with ATM card?

A: The short answer is yes, so long as your ATM card is linked with a major card-processing network such as Visa or MasterCard.

What’s the difference between a debit card and an ATM card?

A debit card is a plastic card which is issued by the bank to pay for the purchase of goods and services at any time. ATM card is less used as compared to the Debit card. ATM card is used for Balance statement, deposits, withdrawals, transfer of funds can be done. A debit card has more usage than the ATM card.

What happens when you withdraw money from an ATM?

Whenever you withdraw money from the ATM, the amount gets deducted from the related account. Whenever you make a payment for the goods and services through a card, the amount is deducted from the account linked to the card. I am confused if you’ve asked difference between ATM card & Debit Card or ATM machine & Debit Card.

How does a debit card look like a credit card?

Debit cards look like credit cards—they will have a Visa ® or MasterCard ® logo on them. However, they are definitely not credit cards. A debit card will not help you build a credit rating layer.

Do you need a credit or debit card to use an ATM?

Not only is it convenient to be able to swipe or tap to make a payment for your everyday purchases, but some retailers require it. And if you do any shopping online, you’ll likely need to have some type of credit or debit card to complete a transaction.