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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

person holding phone and debit card and appears stressed
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 [...]
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 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.
Man folds his hands in front of his face
Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
people pumping gas at a gas station
Pre-authorization limits for card purchases at gas pumps have risen to $175.
A senior woman goes on her smartphone.
There’s no need to see a teller at the bank when you can perform these tasks on your smartphone.
Bank of America at Times Square
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Image of former St. Louis Fed president, Jim Bullard
Powell is concerned tariffs could lead to more inflation. This former Fed official has a different view.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Bank of America at Times Square
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
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CD rates may seem attractive, but in 2025’s uncertain environment, they create a lose-lose scenario that could cost you money.
Focused young woman entering banking credit card information in computer application, making household payments online, booking flight tickets or hotel, purchasing goods or confirming transaction.
APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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