Which of the following accurately describes a debit card?

A debit card is best described as a card that allows payments directly from a consumer's checking account. When a consumer uses a debit card, the funds for the transaction are immediately withdrawn from their checking account. This feature distinguishes debit cards from credit cards, which enable users to borrow funds up to a certain limit and pay them back later.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of debit cards. For instance, a debit card is not limited to online purchases (as suggested in the first option); it can be used for in-person transactions as well. Additionally, debit cards do not require collateral for transactions, unlike some secured credit cards that need a cash deposit to serve as collateral against the line of credit. Finally, the notion that there could be a type of debit card restricted to government-related purchases is incorrect, as debit cards are widely used for general consumer transactions without such limitations.