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 renting a car at Hertz
Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
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.
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.
Man talking on cellphone
Ever heard of a neobank? If not, here’s what you need to know.
Woman using contactless payment - stock photo
Credit cards aren’t a scam or a trap – when used correctly, they have lots of perks.
Young person on smart phone
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Wireless payment using smartphone and NFC technology. Close up. Male Customer paying with smart phone in pharmacy. Close Up shopping. Modern technology and people concept - Woman with payment terminal and male customer with smartphone paying for medications
It may not be time to ditch your physical wallet just yet, but digital wallets offer several benefits.
mom in graduation gown holding daughter
Learn some of the best strategies for saving for either your short- or long-term goals.
Woman using mobile phone at the bar
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Woman at laptop
Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Santa Barbara beach with palm trees and city skyline at sunset, California, USA
California is a large state, and so are your list of options when it comes to banking in the Golden State. With so many options available, it can be tough to find the right fit. But don’t worry, we’ve [...]
Picture of the front of the Federal Reserve building
A look at what a bank bailout is with some examples of notable bank bailouts from the past.
Asian women using laptop computer at home working space.
CD terms can range from three months to five years. Learn which one is right for you.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc