What is the primary purpose of a debit card?

The primary purpose of a debit card is to make purchases by directly withdrawing funds from the cardholder's bank account. Debit cards are linked to checking or savings accounts, allowing users to access their available funds without the need for cash. When a transaction is completed using a debit card, the amount spent is deducted immediately from the linked account, which helps individuals manage their spending and avoid going into debt.

This function distinguishes debit cards from credit cards, which are designed to allow users to borrow funds up to a certain limit and repay them later, often with interest. While some debit cards may offer rewards or loyalty points for purchases, these features are secondary to their primary function of providing a convenient method of direct payment. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the main utility of debit cards in personal finance.