;The two cards look the same, but they operate differently. The debit card pulls funds directly from your checking account when you make a purchase. A credit card is a loan the card issuer makes for your purchases. In other words, the card issuer pays for the purchase, and you then pay the issuer back when you pay your monthly bill. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.;BestReviews has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. BestReviews and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.