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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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Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
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.
Young woman holding a stack of cards and thinking
Credit and debit cards are both popular payment methods, but with different purposes.
man buying concessions at the movie theatre
Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
Man talking on cellphone
Ever heard of a neobank? If not, here’s what you need to know.
A young woman is in the living room, she is using a laptop and credit card
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
Man renting a car at Hertz
Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
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 [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
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.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Piggy bank in the green grass at sunset
Banks are increasing offerings of green accounts. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman with morning cup of coffee, sitting on patio and enjoying moment for herself.
Many women feel financial success is out of reach in today’s economy — but it doesn’t have to be.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
woman looking at her phone while walking outside
Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell with torn pieces of money falling around him and a jagged arrow rising from the lower left to the upper right. There is also a Now Hiring sign behind him in the upper left of the image.
A slowdown may already be underway in the once formidable U.S. job market.
Mother and daughter looking at savings account info on a cellphone
The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Bank building
Even the smallest of these big banks has enormously deep pockets.
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