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.

Best Debit And Prepaid Cards

Best Checking Accounts

How To Get A Debit Card

Debit Vs. Credit Cards

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.

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.

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, CFA

Chief Financial Analyst

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Senior Economic Analyst

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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.

Crumpled money and a pink piggy bank

When we asked people how much they save, the answer was surprising.

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You started the year with financial goals but haven’t kept up. Now’s the time to recommit.

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