Are credit cards and debit cards the same?

No, credit cards and debit cards are not the same. A debit card is linked directly to your bank account, and the purchase amount is deducted from your available balance immediately. A credit card provides a pre-approved line of credit from the bank, allowing you to borrow money up to a limit and pay it back later. Using a debit card means spending your own money, while using a credit card involves borrowing funds that must be repaid according to the monthly billing cycle.