During mass network outages, how come credit works but not debit?

Question

If you’re Canadian, you’re probably experiencing a network outage right now.

In: 33

Answer 1

Back when credit cards were invented there was no network. The shop owner would have to write down your number and get a signature, then send it to the bank and the bank would pay the shop owner and update your account. They still do something like this, if they can’t get in touch with the bank in real-time.

With a debit card, getting in touch with the bank in real-time is mandatory since the money comes out of your account immediately. That’s, like, the entire difference between a credit card and a debit card.