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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.

Checking

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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Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
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Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
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Vivian Thornton received quite a shock when she logged onto her bank account and noticed an unfamiliar debit charge for concert tickets totaling more than $2,000. In fact, the hefty charge had brought [...]
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
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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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Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
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If you have over $25,000 in your savings account, consider these strategies.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
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Knowing how fixed and variable expenses differ can help you improve your finances.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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