A debit transaction occurs when a customer uses their debit card to make a purchase or withdraw cash from their bank account. This type of transaction directly deducts the amount spent from the available balance in the account, ensuring that the customer only spends what they have. Unlike credit transactions, which allow users to borrow money up to a certain limit, debit transactions require immediate payment. This helps individuals manage their finances more effectively, as they cannot overspend beyond their account balance. Debit transactions are commonly used for everyday purchases, such as groceries or gas.