Which type of card uses funds directly from a checking account?

A debit card is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to access funds directly from a checking account. When you make a purchase with a debit card, the amount is immediately deducted from your account balance, providing a straightforward way to manage your spending without borrowing money.

In contrast, credit cards allow you to borrow money up to a certain limit, which you then pay back later, typically with interest. Charge cards are similar but often require you to pay the full balance each month with no option for carrying a balance. Prepaid cards, while they can be loaded with money and used like debit cards, do not connect directly to a checking account; instead, you must deposit money onto the card before use. Thus, the unique characteristic of a debit card is its direct link to your checking account, making it the correct answer.