A
plastic card with a
magnetic strip that closely resembles a
credit card. The check card is linked to a
checking account, and is
imprinted with a
credit card insignia. Check cards can be used anywhere a
credit card of the same
company is accepted - i.e.
MasterCard check cards can be used at
locations that accept
MasterCard.
Unlike a credit card, a line of credit is not issued. The money that is spent comes directly out of the checking account, just like written check (also spelled cheque).