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).