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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

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Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
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Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
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Follow these tips for the lowest fees and highest rates when opening an account.
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Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
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Watch for these money headaches if your bank fails and no other bank takes over.
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Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
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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 [...]
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
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We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
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Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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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.
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Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
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Completing a money order requires just a few simple steps. Here’s how.
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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
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Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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