Credit cards allow users to borrow money from a financial institution up to a certain limit to make purchases. Users are expected to pay back the borrowed amount, often with interest, if not paid in full by the due date. They can also offer rewards, such as cash back or travel points. Debit cards, on the other hand, are linked directly to a user's bank account. When a purchase is made, the money is immediately deducted from the account. Debit cards help users manage their spending since they can only use the funds available in their account, avoiding debt.