When to Use Your Credit vs. Debit Card (2024)

Both have advantages in different circ*mstances

The question may come up as to the best method to pay if you are not using cash—your credit card or debit card?

You might use your debit card and credit card interchangeably, even reaching for whichever piece of plastic is handy at the time. Both a credit card and a debit card get the job done when shopping or paying bills. But did you know that these two types of cards couldn't be more different when it comes to fraud protection and other key factors?

When you use a debit card, funds are often drawn from your checking account or another linked account that same day. When you use a credit card, you’re borrowing money from the credit card issuer and adding to a balance that you can pay off each month or carry while paying interest. Those aren't the only important differences, however.

Here are five things to know about when to use your credit card vs. a debit card.

When to Use Your Credit vs. Debit Card (2024)
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