How does using a debit card instead of a credit card benefit the user?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 02, 2026
Credit cards give you access to a line of credit issued by a bank, while debit cards deduct money directly from your bank account. Credit cards offer better consumer protections against fraud compared with debit cards linked to a bank account.
What are advantages of using a debit card?
Debit Cards
- Easy to obtain. Once you open an account most institutions will issue you a debit card upon request.
- Convenience. Purchases can be made using a contactless or chip-enabled terminal or by swiping the card rather than filling out a paper check.
- Safety.
- Readily accepted.
What do you think is a disadvantage of using a debit card?
There are certain disadvantages associated with using a debit card: No credit allowed: A debit card is linked to your bank account. Additional fees on ATM withdrawals: Every bank offers you a limited number of free ATM transactions and other non-financial transactions per month at the branches of other banks.
What are the advantages of using debit cards instead of credit cards?
No Debt – With a credit card it’s easy to purchase anything you want, even if you don’t have the funds. With debit cards, the money comes directly from your bank account, so you avoid spending more money than you have. Plus, you don’t have to remember to pay the credit card bill once a month.
Can you make a purchase with a debit card?
Not every retailer takes a debit card purchase, but they may accept a credit card purchase. As long as your debit card is branded with Visa, MasterCard, or another payment processor that is accepted, you can still make a purchase. 5. Multiple debit cards can be associated with one account.
Are there rewards for using a debit card?
Just like with credit cards, debit cards also have rewards programs. For example, some cards will donate a portion of all revenue to help fight breast cancer – a total of more than $350,000 in the past two years. You should shop around for various rewards benefits. Check out the best rewards credit cards.
Can a debit card be used as an ATM?
You might, however, face overdraft fees if you try to spend more money than is in your account. Debit cards also work as ATM cards. You can use them to take cash directly out of your bank account. How Do Credit Cards Work?