Credit cards are short-term loans that must be repaid, and debit cards are linked to your bank account and spend your own money.
Credit cards and debit cards look almost identical, but they are extremely different financial products.
Put simply, credit cards are short-term loans that must be repaid, and a debit card lets you spend your money.
A credit card allows you to borrow money from the bank at a set amount based on your income, expenses, history and behaviours. This is known as a credit limit; every cardholder will have a different credit amount. If this is your first credit card, your limit will be lower, possibly $1,000 or $2,000.
That $1,000 credit limit, for example, is not cash. It’s a line of credit that you can use, pay off, use again and so on. It’s revolving, which means it stays open as long as you handle the minimum monthly repayments and any ongoing account fees.
Some people take out credit cards for big purchases, such as a holiday, a new laptop, house renovations or to start a business. As a general rule, you should only make purchases you can pay off immediately to avoid interest charges. Credit cards can offer wonderful flexibility in managing your finances as long as you use them responsibly.
Think of your debit card as a way to pay for items from your everyday account or savings. If you want to use your own money (not credit) to pay for purchases in-person and online, you’ll need a debit card.
While you have to be conscious of your account’s balance before using your card, you don’t have to remember or worry about what you owe after you use your debit card.
You don’t have to choose between owning a credit card and a debit card. You can use both, just not for the same purchase. Like most people, you’ll reach for your credit and debit card at different times for different reasons.
Here are some details to consider with your cards.
You can use your debit card to withdraw your own money out of an ATM, but you can’t access cash in your bank account with a credit card. You can, however, withdraw some cash using your card through a cash advance. However, since it’s still the bank’s money, not your own, the convenience comes with higher fees and interest rates than regular credit card transactions.
But what if you need access to cash fast to pay for an unexpected expense? A credit card may come in handy, especially if you can’t cover it with money in your emergency fund. A debit card won’t help you tap into money that’s not already in your bank account.
Credit cards can have higher monthly or annual fees. The fee structure differs from bank to bank. For example, the CommBank Low Rate credit card charges $72 per year. Westpac’s Low Fee credit card is $0 if you spend $5,000 per year; otherwise, it’s $30. There are credit cards with no annual fees, as well.
Debit cards are seen as more of an everyday banking account feature, so you’re more likely to enjoy no fees. You might bypass fees without realising. For example, Westpac’s bank account with a debit card has a $5 account-keeping fee that’s waived if you deposit $2,000 each month. No-fee debit cards are a great way to keep more of your hard-earned money without effort. Fees add up over time and are avoidable expenses.
NAB Classic Banking and ANZ Plus accounts offer no monthly fees without minimum deposits.
Paying your rent, bills or mortgage on time can help improve your credit score, regardless of whether you use a debit card or credit card to do so.
However, unlike debit cards, credit cards have a direct impact on your score, no matter what you’re paying for. This is because a credit card is a type of loan, and paying it back every month demonstrates your trustworthiness to lenders. By the same token, it can also hurt your credit if you fail to pay the amount due or rack up a considerable amount of debt.
To get a debit card, you just need to prove your identity to the bank. In contrast, you have to apply for a credit card to prove your eligibility. Income requirements, a history of responsible credit use and more are usually necessary for most types of credit cards.
Credit cards come with greater consumer protections and rewards programs. When you sign up for a credit card, you can access travel insurance, a reward points program (linked to airlines and travel partners), and warranties on purchases. Another huge advantage of a rewards credit card is bonus points, which can be used on flights, hotels and partner brands.
Debit cards don’t come with introductory or ongoing points — that’s exclusive to credit cards. Your bank will, however, have exclusive deals and discounts with everyday brands. When choosing bank and cards, ask about the deals that are currently available.
Most credit cards and debit cards in Australia have strong fraud protections, like microchips, PIN technology and CVV numbers. So, while security features vary by bank, credit and debit cards are typically equally able to protect you from fraud.
The big difference is what may happen if your card is stolen. If a thief uses your stolen debit card, they are spending your money — which you may get back, but likely only after a long wait. If a thief uses your stolen credit card, they are spending the bank’s money, so you won’t take the same financial hit.
Plus, common credit card protections, like zero liability cover, create additional guardrails.
Credit cards have a pre-set maximum balance, otherwise known as a credit limit. To increase or decrease it, you need to speak with your bank.
Debit cards do have a limit, but more so as security protection. For example, the Westpac Debit Mastercard has a default daily transaction limit of $8,000 for in-store, online and phone payments. A daily cash withdrawal limit of $1,000 also applies.
Credit and debit cards can coexist in your financial lifestyle and help you manage your money. You don’t have to choose between one or the other. Each card has its place.
If you’re trying to build your credit score, you like the idea of having money on hand if you need it and you can pay off the balance before the interest kicks in, consider a credit card. With a rewards program, they can give you more than a line of credit.
But if you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to manage the repayments on time, often feel in over your head with money and would like to build your savings first, don’t rush into applying for a credit card. You can manage just fine with a debit card.
Don’t rush a decision. Your situation will change, and you can revisit it in six months. Ultimately, the end goal of money management is financial freedom. There are many ways of realising it — find the path that works for you.
Visa debit cards are not credit cards, they are debit cards that use the Visa network — a payment processing system. Both debit cards and credit cards can use the Visa network, but the two types of cards operate differently. Debit cards are linked to your bank account and use your money to make a purchase. Credit cards, on the other hand, are a type of revolving credit. They use the issuer’s money to make a purchase, which you then pay back at the end of the month.
Is Mastercard a credit card?Mastercard is not a type of credit card, it is a payment processing network like Visa. Various types of cards, such as debit cards, credit cards and even prepaid cards, can use the Mastercard network to complete purchases. The network’s logo is typically printed on the front of the card, so you can see which network it uses.
Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on personal finance, technology, culture, and human interest. Amanda has written stories about retirement planning for Business Insider, the connection…
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