What happens when you use a debit card to make a purchase?

When you use a debit card to make a purchase, funds are transferred automatically from your checking account. This means that the money is taken directly from your account almost instantly to pay for the transaction. This characteristic is what differentiates debit cards from credit cards; with debit cards, the transaction immediately impacts your available balance, whereas with credit cards, you are borrowing money that you will need to repay later.

Using a debit card offers the convenience of electronic transactions while ensuring that you are spending only the money you currently have in your account, which can help in budgeting and managing your finances effectively.