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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

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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Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
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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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Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
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Credit cards aren’t a scam or a trap – when used correctly, they have lots of perks.
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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
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That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
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Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
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If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.
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The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
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A new CFPB rule will make it easier for people to transfer their data between banks.
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The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
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