Debit card
A card that pays straight from your bank account, using money you already have.
A debit card is the simplest way to spend money you already have. It keeps you within your balance, which is its strength. The weak spot is fraud: money taken with a debit card leaves your own account, so blocking the card and reporting fast matters more than with a credit card.
Questions people ask
What is a debit card?
A debit card is linked to your bank account. When you pay or withdraw cash, the money comes straight out of your account. There is no bill and no interest, and you cannot spend more than you have.
What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?
A debit card spends your own money immediately. A credit card spends the bank's money, which you repay later, with interest if you do not clear the full bill by the due date.
What should I do if my debit card is misused?
Block the card in your bank app or by calling the bank, report the transaction, and call 1930. Under RBI rules, reporting within three working days of the bank's alert means zero liability if the fraud was not your fault.
One money lesson, in your inbox
A short, plain money lesson built from real news. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
We will never spam you or sell your details. How we handle your email