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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.
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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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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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Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
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A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Daughter and father using mobile phone
Several banks continue to offer savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
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These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.
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Your money doesn’t just sit in the bank. Here’s what it’s been up to.
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Economic uncertainty is making it harder for low-income Americans save.
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