Which characterizes a transaction made with a debit card?

A debit card transaction is characterized by the fact that funds are charged to your account right away. When you use a debit card, you are accessing the money that you already have in your checking or savings account, meaning the amount of the transaction is immediately deducted from your balance. This instant access to your funds is one of the main features of debit card usage and allows for real-time tracking of your spending.

In contrast, borrowing funds or having delayed payment processing, as suggested in other options, does not apply to debit card transactions. Borrowing typically relates to credit cards, where you use lenders' money and pay it back later. While some debit card transactions might incur fees, it is not a defining characteristic, as fees can vary based on the financial institution or transaction type. Therefore, the immediacy of fund transfer is what truly characterizes a debit card transaction.