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

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.
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 banking
Follow these tips for the lowest fees and highest rates when opening an account.
Pedestrians walking by TD Bank
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Person using credit card at laptop
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Young man working in a co-working office
These are the great bank accounts for new grads.
Woman using a banking app on her phone
Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.
woman using laptop in the kitchen
These tips can help maximize your savings using certificates of deposit.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
Businesses may now be starting to pass along higher costs from tariffs to consumers.
artistic rendition of skyscrapers
Here are some of the biggest bank mergers and acquisitions in American history.
Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
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.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc