What characterizes a debit card?

A debit card is characterized by its ability to allow funds to be withdrawn directly from a bank account. When a debit card is used, any transaction made is automatically deducted from the cardholder's checking or savings account balance, meaning the user can only spend what they actually have in the bank. This makes debit cards a convenient way to manage day-to-day purchases while maintaining a direct connection to available funds.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the nature of a debit card. For instance, a card that transfers funds from a credit line pertains more to credit cards, which involve borrowing money that the user must pay back later. A card requiring payment in cash does not describe debit cards since they facilitate electronic transactions rather than cash handling. Lastly, a card that accumulates debt over time relates to credit cards as well, since debit cards do not allow borrowing beyond the account balance. Overall, the defining feature of a debit card lies in its direct linkage to the user's bank account for transactions.