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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

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
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Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
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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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Credit cards aren’t a scam or a trap – when used correctly, they have lots of perks.
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Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
A man takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
woman shopping online with a credit card
If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.
close-up of a hand holding a cell phone
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
A woman uses mobile banking while eating.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
young woman working on finances on her laptop at home
Balancing a checkbook may be passé, but managing your money well still matters.
businesswoman using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance account can help to restore your standing in the eyes of your bank.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
white-collar woman looks tired in the office
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
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Local banks provide valuable in-person services that online-only banks can’t offer.
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