What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card?

With the debit card, you can only spend the money you have in your account. It is directly linked to your bank account and offers many benefits:

• Payments you make in stores or online are automatically debited in real time.
• The available amount corresponds to the current balance in your account.
• Withdrawing cash at an ATM is usually free of charge, except for when it's a machine provided by a third party, or done abroad.
• Debit cards from providers such as Visa or Mastercard are accepted worldwide.

The debit card is ideal for staying on top of your finances, as you can only access money that is in your account.

With the BBVA debit card, you can take advantage of Mastercard's extensive ATM network to withdraw money worldwide – free of charge within Germany and within the Eurozone starting at EUR 150. You can also withdraw money at around 12,000 participating retail partners.

In Spain you can withdraw money at approximately 4,500 BBVA ATMs, free of charge and with no minimum amount. In addition, you can take advantage of exclusive offers and benefits, like 3% cashback during the first 6 months.

In contrast to a debit card, a traditional credit card enables you to pay even if the balance in your account is insufficient. The purchases are later debited from you account, usually at the end of the month. This way you can borrow money from the bank and pay it back later.

• The credit limit is based on your income.
• It's possible to withdraw cash, but it often involves fees.
• Often required as a security measure for hotel bookings or rental car reservations.
• Accepted almost anywhere in the world, especially by providers such as Mastercard and Visa.

The main difference between a debit card and a credit card is the method of payment: When paying by debit card, the amount is debited directly from the current account, while with the credit card you can have access to a credit limit that will be settled at a later date.

Debit and credit cards have many similarities that make them convenient payment methods. Both card types allow contactless payment and mobile payment. In addition to physical cards, there are also digital cards, which are specifically designed for online purchases.

Internet payments require the cardholder name, the card number and the CVV code. Together with online banking, they let you track your transactions at any time.

A prepaid card is a type of debit card that must be topped up with a certain amount in advance. It offers a good alternative for people who do not want to use a traditional credit card or who need a better way to keep on top of their expenses. Prepaid credit cards operate based on the same principle: Only the money that was previously deposited can be spent.

Whether the debit or credit card is better for you depends on your personal needs. If you want to keep better track of your purchases, then a debit card is the right choice for you. If you want more flexibility when making larger purchases or payments, then a credit card would suit your needs. Banks offer a variety of debit and credit cards that – depending on their use – are optimized for everyday use, travel, and online purchases.