What's the Difference between a Debit Card and a Credit Card?

Last Article Update 30.05.2025

Debit cards are classically often used to withdraw money from ATMs or for everyday purchases, for example at the supermarket or at vending machines. When paying with a debit card, the amount is immediately debited from your current account.

 

Credit cards are often used for larger purchases or as a flexible and secure payment method abroad. Credit cards allow you to spend money up to a certain credit limit. When using the credit card, the amount is not debited immediately, but the credit card account is charged. Once a month, you receive a statement and can pay back the amount either all at once or in instalments. In this case, fees will be charged.

 

Pay contactless

Contactless payments are a convenient way to make purchases and are possible with both credit and debit cards. If you want to pay without physical card, you can activate Google Pay or Apple Pay, which are mobile payment solutions. You can add both your debit or credit card to your wallet and can then make contactless payments with your smartphone or smartwatch by holding your device towards the payment terminal.

What you should bear in mind

Before making a large payment, it is a good idea to check the limits of your debit card and credit card to know the amount or limit up to which you can use the card. This already sometimes helps you to decide which card you want to use when and where.

 

You can see the limit of your debit card at George in your current account by clicking on the debit card. George shows you the limit of your credit card in the app by clicking on "Functions" for the desired card and in the desktop version when you select your card in the menu or in the overview.

 

The most significant difference

So the main difference is that debit cards use the existing balance on the current account, while with credit cards you actually borrow money up to a certain credit limit without extra fees. The decision on which type of card to use depends entirely on your individual financial needs and preferences.

 

Author: Tamara Berger-Feichter