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
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

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

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 man takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Person using phone to do mobile check deposit
Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Writing on check
You can spend less on reorders and still have the security features you need.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Young smiling woman using mobile phone while working on a laptop at a cafe
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
man sitting at outdoor cafe table and looking at his phone
Mobile banking apps aren’t just trendy, they can help you better manage your money.
person signing a check
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead, here’s how.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
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.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
Couple looking at computer with their financial advisor
Local banks provide valuable in-person services that online-only banks can’t offer.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc