"what is the difference between a credit card and a debit card? why are credit cards considerably more popular with u. s. consumers? "

The difference between credit card and a debit card is that:
Debit cards are linked to your bank account, and money is withdrawn from the account as soon as the transaction occurs. While credit cards are not linked to your bank account, they are linked to the bank or institution that issued the card. Credit card are billed monthly.
Credit cards are considerably more popular with U.S. consumers because debit cards are linked to your bank account and if someone stole the card, all the money in your bank account will vanish. where credit cards are not linked to your bank account, it is charged monthly as much money as you want.

To be honest, here's what i think. i think the answer is (and i'm not exactly sure), that it is, both personal and household income.