What is the difference between a debit and credit card?

A debit card draws money directly from your bank account when you make a purchase, meaning you can only spend what you already have. A credit card lets you borrow money from the card issuer up to a set limit, and you repay it later, either in full or over time with interest. The key practical differences are that credit cards offer stronger fraud protection, can help build your credit score, and often come with rewards. Debit cards help you avoid debt and overspending since you're using your own funds. However, if you carry a credit card balance without paying it off monthly, you'll owe interest charges that can add up quickly.