Card or debit card - surely they're all the same...?

Reading time 3 minutes

Published on 23/12/2025

Picture the scene. You're in a shop: you pick up what you need, go to the checkout and they ask, "card or cash?". You say "card", but you actually have both a debit card and a credit card. Which one do you use?

You might choose instinctively, without thinking too much about it. But in reality, choosing between the two is not just a matter of habit: they work differently, and knowing these differences can help you use the right tool at the right time.

What is a "bancomat" (debit card)?

• Bancomat is the common Italian name for a debit card, a type of payment card.
• When you pay with a debit card, the money is taken immediately from your current account. It is not a form of credit - you are spending money you already have.

What is a credit card?

• A credit card is also a payment card, but you don't need to have the money in your account at the moment of purchase. The bank or the issuer advances the amount - in other words, it grants you credit - and then charges your account later.
• Usually, the total amount spent in a month is charged in one single payment within the first 15 days of the following month. With revolving credit cards, you can repay the money in monthly instalments, but you will pay interest on the credit granted. Some cards give you the option of choosing between paying the full amount in one go or switching to revolving repayment.

Spending limits and risks

• Debit cards usually come with daily and/or monthly spending and withdrawal limits. Credit cards more commonly have a monthly financing cap - the credit limit - which is the maximum amount of credit the bank grants you.
• If your card is contactless, you may not need to enter your PIN for small purchases. However, once you reach €150 in cumulative contactless payments, or after five consecutive contactless transactions (regardless of the amount), you will be asked to confirm the next payment with your PIN.
• Typical card costs include: an annual fee (less common for debit cards); currency conversion fees when paying in a currency other than the euro; cash withdrawal fees. For debit cards, withdrawals from ATMs belonging to banks other than your own generally incur a fixed fee. For credit cards, when cash withdrawals are allowed, commissions are usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn and can be quite high. Costs related to euro‑denominated purchases are normally borne by the merchant.
• Using cards exposes you to risks such as fraud, loss or theft. It is advisable to activate payment notifications, keep your PIN in a safe place away from the card, and check your statements regularly. If you spot something suspicious, block the card straight away and request reimbursement for unauthorised payments.
• Finally, remember that cards may make it "easier" to spend impulsively: paying electronically tends to feel less painful than handing over physical cash.

What if you have a multi-functional card?

A multi-functional card combines both debit and credit functions. It's a convenient solution: it's like having two cards in one, and you can choose the payment method each time. At the till, the POS - the payment terminal used by shops - will ask whether you want to pay by debit or credit.

Let's summarise

1. If you choose a debit card (bancomat), you spend the money in your account. It's a safe option if you want to avoid going into debt.
2. If you choose a credit card, you spend money the bank lends you, which you must repay later in one go or in instalments. It can be useful for larger purchases or for spreading payments over time, but you must be sure you can repay it when it's charged. Be aware of interest if you choose instalments.
3. If your card is multi-functional, the POS may ask whether you want to pay by debit or credit. You decide on the spot.
4. If your debit card is co‑badge, you can choose which circuit to use for the payment.
5. For your safety, we recommend that you:

• activate payment notifications, so you know immediately when your card is used;
• check your statements regularly, so you can spot any suspicious transactions;
• block your card immediately if it's lost or stolen;
• memorise your PIN, keep it separate from the card, and never share it with anyone.