Debit cards

Loyalty programmes

Certain debit cards are linked to loyalty programmes. This means that, based on your card activity, you receive points and offers you can redeem in the future.

Before choosing a debit card linked to a loyalty programme, you need to consider:

• What are your spending habits and what benefits you are most likely to redeem.
• Whether the loyalty programme and other benefits offset the annual fee.

How a debit card works

When you shop, the amount is charged directly to your account.

It allows you to:

• Make your day-to-day transactions simple, fast and secure.
• Spend only the available balance in your account.
• Withdraw cash at an ATM.
  

It is not helpful if you:

• Want to meet a need before the date you expect to be paid from work.
  

How a credit card works

When you shop, your account is not charged. In fact, you’re borrowing the specific amount. If you pay off this amount, you can borrow again. In other words, you get a credit limit.

It allows you to:

• Shop in interest-free instalments.
• Make the most of the interest-free period offered by the card, if you choose to pay off the entire balance on the payment date. 
• Carry out specific transactions where a credit card is necessary, such as hotel reservations and car rentals.
• Get additional cash flow and shop without spending the entire balance in your account.
• Secure benefits from loyalty programmes.
  

It is not helpful if you:

• Plan to pay off only the minimum amount every month, as you are charged with interest.
• Have difficulty with financial planning and monitoring your expenses.