The federal standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount, based on your filing status and age, that the IRS lets you take off (deduct) from your taxable income.
On the other hand, the itemized deduction allows you to list (itemize) your deductions on Schedule A.
The IRS lets you choose either the "bundled" standard deduction or the "a la carte" itemized deduction. Naturally, most taxpayers will choose the one that gives them the biggest tax break. After you enter your information in TurboTax, we'll let you know which option gives you the biggest tax break.
Credits-Reduce what you owe.
Deductions- (itemized or the standard) Reduce the amount you are taxed on.