Which financial instrument allows access to funds for purchases directly from a checking account?

A debit card is a financial instrument that connects directly to a checking account, allowing users to access their funds to make purchases. When a transaction is made using a debit card, the money is withdrawn directly from the user's checking account in real-time, which means the account balance is updated immediately. This provides a convenient way for individuals to spend money they already have, without the need for borrowing as is the case with credit cards or loans.

Unlike a checking account, which is a type of bank account where funds are stored, a debit card is the tool that facilitates spending from that account. Credit cards operate differently by enabling purchases on credit, requiring repayment later, while loans provide a larger sum of money that must be paid back with interest over time. Therefore, the debit card is unique in its immediate access to one's own funds for day-to-day transactions.