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Summary
Debit cards are often called "ATM Cards" or "Check Cards." Not only do they physically look very similar to credit cards they can act in much the same way as a credit card, but there are many differences between a debit card and a credit card.

Debit Cards Explained
Debit cards are most often issued by banks and credit unions. They typically are tied to your checking and/or savings account. So when you make a purchase with a debit card, the funds are automatically withdrawn directly from your bank account. Many of the debit cards are the same cards consumers will use at their bank or lending institution's ATMs to withdrawl/deposit money.

Many of the major banks and credit unions will call these debit cards ATM Cards, Check Cards or both. Quite often when you're making a purchase with your Check Card it acts the same way as a credit card, in that you can just have it swiped and sign a receipt to confirm your purchase. Unlike a credit card however, you also usually have the option with a debit card to enter your PIN (Personal Identificiation Number that is tied to your bank account) number at purchase locations so you don't have to sign a receipt. These type of debit cards are offered by most banks and lenders, but there are still some lending institutions that only offer debit cards that when used at a purchase require a signature (not allowing you the option of just entering your PIN number).

Differences between Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Physically the two are almost identical. Usually the only surface difference that is easily noticeable is that a Debit Card will usually say "ATM & Check Card," "ATM Card," "Check Card" or "Debit Card" on the top right. Most major debit cards now will have the Mastercard or Visa logo so you can use anywhere you would use a credit card.

With a credit card when you make a purchase you are going against a "credit balance" and will be billed later to pay down that balance. With a debit card you are making a purchase directly against your checking/savings account and automatically decreasing that amount. Needless to say you should be careful about over-spending in general, but especially with a debit card you can run the risk of over-drawing your account and possibly resulting in overlimit charges or checks bouncing (being returned).