Skip to Main Content

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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Checking account and ATM fee study
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.

Arrow Right Icon

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

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.
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.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
A woman uses mobile banking while eating.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
Person using phone to do mobile check deposit
Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
A check with VOID stamped across it
Here’s what you need to know about voiding a check, and the alternative options.
A customer withdraws cash from an ATM.
Here’s why early direct deposit may work better for those looking to get paid in advance.
Person on a cellphone holding a credit card
There are various ways to earn rewards and maximize financial gains with a rewards checking account.
A middle aged adult woman happily balancing her checkbook
Here’s what separates a share draft account from a checking account.
Mother and daughter smiling at smartphone
Let’s explore why you might want a checking account you can’t write checks from.
lots of coins and cash in a pile
Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
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.
A man looking at a comically large stack of cash
This type of account can offer a low-risk way to earn a high yield.
Close-up of woman trading stock online on mobile phone
A money market account is like a parking spot for cash, but with a few guardrails.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc