Final answer:
The correct answer is option a. A direct credit is an incoming payment into a bank account, whereas a direct debit is an outgoing payment from the account. Debit cards, which offer direct debit functions, allow instant access to funds in your checking account for purchases, contrasting a credit card's short-term loan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a direct credit and a direct debit entry on a bank statement is quite straightforward. A direct credit is when money is being deposited into your account, such as when you receive a payment or transfer. On the other hand, a direct debit is when money is taken out of your account, for example, when you make a purchase or pay a bill.
Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account and allow you to use your funds to pay for goods and services. When using a debit card, the money leaves your checking account almost instantly. In contrast, credit cards work differently; they provide a short-term loan for the purchase you make, which you are later required to pay back. This is why, despite both being forms of plastic money, they have different impacts on your account balance as reflected in a bank statement.