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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 writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.

About Bankrate's team
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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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.
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.
A person takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
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.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
A crosswalk signal of a traffic light flashes backdropped by the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025, the first day of the US federal government shutdown. Efforts to bring a quick end to the US government shutdown floundered Wednesday when senators rejected a plan to resolve an acrimonious funding stand-off between President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress. With the government out of money after Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight.
Your bank or credit union may be able to help if you lose your paycheck.
A Capital One bank branch in Manhattan in New York
Looking for a nearby Capital One location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
PNC Bank building
PNC Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Here’s how to find one near you.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
Unrealistic depiction of cash moving directly from phone to phone
Follow these steps to send or request money easily with Zelle.
United States Treasury savings bonds.
You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S.
Feel like a victim of bad financial practices? Here’s how to file a CFPB complaint.
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