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Debit Cards

Debit and prepaid debit cards provide convenient and secure payment options for consumers, allowing easy access to funds without the risk of accruing debt.

Explore debit card basics

Smiling businessman making payment with credit card
Debit cards can offer additional perks to help you save more of your money.
Man paying with credit card while shopping with woman at supermarket
Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.

Use your debit card wisely

DEBIT

Where to avoid using your debit card

Just because you can use your debit card almost anywhere doesn’t mean you always should. Bankrate's experts keep you informed on the risky places to avoid swiping your debit card.

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Checking

Daily ATM withdrawal limits

It's important to know how much you can withdraw from your bank's ATMs in a given day to help you better handle financial emergencies that require cash.

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Available account balance vs. current balance

Understand the differences between the two balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

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BANKING

Checking account and ATM fee study

Maintaining a checking account with a debit card can come at a high cost. Learn how rising ATM fees and other banking fees are impacting consumers.

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Experts in all things banking

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Woman paying at the gas pump
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
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Credit and debit cards are both popular payment methods, but with different purposes.
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Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
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Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
Over the shoulder shot of a woman using her phone. The phone has a mobile banking login screen.
These features are designed to save you time and money.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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A complicated U.S. economy. Stubborn inflation and a jobless boom. Unprecedented conflict with the president. Personnel changes, and a new Fed chair. Federal Reserve officials are no stranger to difficult [...]
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Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
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