The key difference is that debit cards are linked to a bank account and draw directly from those funds. A credit card provides the cardholder with a line of credit that they can borrow against as needed and pay back at a later date.  Credit cards charge interest on the money the cardholder borrows unless it’s paid back within the grace period. 

There are three major types of credit cards: 

• Rewards Credit Cards - Rewards credit cards give you a little something back with each purchase. These include cashback cards, which earn back a percentage of your spending, and points credit cards, which typically give you points for purchases you make. Our M&T Visa® Signature Credit Card and M&T Visa® Credit Card with Rewards are examples of Rewards Credit Cards. 

• Low-interest and balance transfer cards - These are cards specifically designed for people who intend to carry debt. Low-interest or 0% cards save you money by reducing the amount of interest charged on your purchases. Our M&T Visa® Credit Card is an example of a low-interest credit card. 

• Credit-building cards - These are cards specifically designed for those with a lower credit score or limited credit history. Secured credit cards are one of the best ways to build credit. They require a security deposit, which is usually equal to your credit limit. The deposit makes the card less difficult to get since it reduces the risk to the credit card company. Our M&T Secured Credit Card is our credit-building credit card. 

If you’re an M&T customer, you can apply for an M&T credit card online or by calling  1-800-724-5248 or visiting an M&T branch. If you’re not an M&T customer or you are applying for a M&T Secured Credit Card – you can apply by calling 1-800-724-5248 or visiting an M&T branch. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Your social security number or International Tax Identification Number
• Monthly rent or mortgage statement
• Income and employment information 
• Applicant must be 18 years old 

The advantages of credit card spending may include earning rewards, some credit cards allow you to earn rewards on purchases, credit cards offer fraud protection.

A lower-interest credit card may help you save hundreds of dollars if you wish to transfer or carry a balance. A rewards credit card will help you save money by giving you a certain percentage of each purchase back as a reward. 

You can use your M&T Credit Card anywhere Visa is accepted. 

The annual percentage rate (APR) is the cost of borrowing on a credit card. It refers to the yearly interest rate you'll pay if you carry a balance, plus any fees associated with the card. APR often varies by card.

Cardholders full name, 16-digit credit card number, CVV number and card expiration date can be found on a credit card.  CVV is the three-digit number found on credit cards and stands for card verification value. This security code helps protect you from credit card fraud. 

The best credit card for you depends on what you want out of the card. Always consider the credit card's ongoing APR when choosing your next card. You can choose cards from three typical categories: credit-building, rewards, and low-interest credit cards. Most banks have a card comparison page where you can compare the features of different cards and see which one benefits you the most. Compare M&T Credit Cards.