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Money Basics

Debit vs Credit Card: What's The Tea?

CIMB ❘ 14 Oct 2025

2 min(s) read

You’re trying to get your money game on point, but everyone’s got an opinion:

“Get a credit card for the points!”

“No, debit only – spend what you have!”

“Buy now, pay later!”

“Credit card will get you in debt!”

It’s giving… confusing. Here’s a lowkey guide without the boring banker talk.

So, what's the deal?

	Debit Card	Credit Card
Where does the money come from?	Directly from your savings account	Funds advanced by the bank for your payment that you'll need to repay later
Max you can spend?	Your own account balance	Bank sets your limit — could be more than what you have (risky if not careful)
Any outstanding bills?	Nope — money deducted instantly	Yes — monthly bill from the bank for all your swipes. If you don't pay in full by the due date, interest / Payable Facility Charge (≈ 15 - 18% p.a.) kicks in
Build credit score?	Nope	Yes, if used responsibly — important for future loans / financing (car, home)
Rewards and perks?	Some offers cashback, transit discounts, points or even lounge access — just less flashy than credit cards	Most credit cards give reward points, cashback, air miles, travel perks, etc

Now that we’ve got the tea, which team are you on?

TEAM DEBIT CARD	TEAM CREDIT CARD/-i
You're just starting out and building income	Want cashback, points or air miles
Tend to overspend easily	Can pay off credit card statement in full every month
Not ready for monthly repayments	Want to build a credit score for future loans / financing e.g mortgage or car

Keep these in your pocket

Credit card limit does not equal to “free money” — it’s debt until you clear all outstanding balance.
Debit cards don’t grow your CCRIS record — only credit cards do, if used wisely.
Watch out for hidden charges — overseas ATM fees, currency conversion, late payment fees, cash advance fee.
Lock it down — turn off overseas/online usage in your app when not using it, and never share One Time Password (OTPs).
Treat cards like tools — you control the card, not the other way around.

Our recommendations

Start with a Debit Card linked to your savings account to spend within your means.

Once you’ve built good habit (and a comfy balance), upgrade to a Credit Card for rewards but always pay it off in full.

The more you save, the more freedom you have to spend without falling into debt traps.

This article is for informational purposes only and CIMB does not make any representation and warranty as to the accuracy, completeness and fairness of any information contained in this article. As this article is general in nature, it is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. You are advised to consult a financial advisor or investment professional before making any decisions based on the information contained in this article. CIMB assumes no liability for any consequences arising from your reliance on the information presented here.