Without using cash or a check, debit, and credit cards can both be used to make purchases of goods and services. There is a distinction between the two depending on where the money for the purchase comes from.
What’s The Difference?
When you make a transaction using a debit card, the money for that amount is nearly immediately deducted from your checking account. The money will be charged to your line of credit when you use a credit card, providing you more time to make the payment because it will be due later.
Making the perfect time to use each card may sometimes be difficult. Consider utilizing your debit card for regular transactions as you will immediately see the money deducted from your checking account.
You might use your credit card for larger purchases like a rental vehicle or hotel room so that you have money saved up by the time you need to make a payment.
Advantages of a Debit Card
Debit cards provide several benefits for users, in addition to being convenient if you don’t have cash on hand.
- Refrain from taking on more debt. A simple strategy to lessen your risk of accruing debt is to use a debit card rather than a credit card. You should be able to stick to your spending plan and avoid using up all of your checking account balances with the aid of this payment option. Your bank could impose an overdraft or return fee if you ever spend more than your checking account permits.
- You can easily access your money via debit cards. Your debit card works to make cash withdrawals from ATMs. In some retail establishments, you may also receive “cash back” by charging more than the amount of your initial purchase to your bank account and receiving the cash along with your receipt.
- To prevent a debt later, pay now. You don’t need to be concerned about receiving a bill at the end of the month since the funds from purchases you make with your debit card are automatically deducted from your checking account. This also implies that you won’t need to be concerned about the bill’s interest accruing. Being mindful to avoid overdraft and return fees is a fantastic method to keep your spending under control while using a debit card.
Advantages of a Credit Card
Having and using a credit card has several advantages.
- You have more time to pay for things when you use a credit card. A bill detailing your outstanding balance for transactions made over the previous 30 days will be sent to you at the end of your monthly credit card cycle. You may have up to a few weeks to settle your credit card payment, depending on when you made the transaction. Although you are just legally obligated to pay the bare minimum each month, doing so might result in debt in the future.
You may find yourself in a debt trap, for instance, if you spend $1,000 in a month and only make the $15 minimum payment, then you spend again the following month.
The credit card company will add a set amount as interest each month if you don’t pay the full balance. Pay off as much as you can is a good recommendation. as you can each month to improve your credit and prevent debt accumulation.
- Your credit history is created by using credit cards. Your credit history will increase each time you use your credit card to make a transaction and promptly repay the balance. When you apply for a loan, purchase a vehicle or house, or take out a mortgage, you need to have decent credit. By paying off your credit card balance each month, you’ll demonstrate your ability to handle debt and raise your credit score.
- convenient in times of need. When there is an emergency, having a credit card is incredibly practical and easy. You can charge a repair to your credit card if you need to pay for it right now. Your credit card provider will extend credit to you till the end of the month because you presumably did not budget for this spending. Once more, this allows you some additional time to make a payment for something you weren’t planning to make.
Benefits of Using a Credit and Debit Card
Credit Cards vs Debit Cards
| Particulars | Credit Card | Debit Card |
| Availability of Funds | Taking out loans from the card issuer | withdrawals from your current or savings account |
| Spending Limits | short-term loan based on your reputation | keeps you out of debt by letting you just spend what you have available. |
| Purchases | Your purchases are funded by the card issuer, which you then reimburse by the due date. | You use your bank account to make the payment. |
| Statements | billing statements for each cycle that show all of the card’s purchases | There are no particular billing bills, but the passbook for your savings and current accounts does list debit card purchases. |
| Important Fee & Charges | Payment penalties for late payments, interest, joining fees, yearly fees, etc. | Fees for cash withdrawals, yearly dues (in some situations), etc. |
| Interest | Include interest fees if the payment is late. | No interest fees are imposed. |
| Rewards and cashback | compared to debit cards, extensive (may vary from the card to card) | Small incentives and cashback advantages |
| Application | To obtain a credit card, you must apply with the issuer. | frequently provided together with a savings, current, or salary account |
| Repayment | Monthly Repayments | No Refunds |
| EMI Facility | provided most frequently on purchases over Rs. 2,500 (may vary across issuers) | Limited transactions offered in accordance with the vendor-bank agreement |
Impact on Credit Score | directly affects your credit score | No immediate effect on credit rating |
| Additional Privileges | Using the lounge. Liability Cover for Lost Cards. | Greater Limits on Cash Withdrawals |
Both a debit card and a credit card are often used. Since each card serves a distinct purpose, they make use of the special benefits and distinctions between debit and credit cards. Consider acquiring both instead of picking one or the other.
Interested in getting a debit card?
You may open a checking account online and get a debit card along with it. If you already have a checking account, you may apply for a debit card by calling (800) 480-2265 or stopping by your neighborhood bank. Study up on our debit card.
Interested in getting a credit card?
Choose the incentives that are best for you when you apply for a Huntington credit card: 3X rewards in the category of your choosing, 1.5% unlimited cashback on purchases, or a lower purchase APR than our reward and cashback cards.
