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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.

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Best Debit And Prepaid Cards
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Best Checking Accounts
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Debit Vs. Credit Cards
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Explore debit card basics

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6 lesser-known debit card perks (and how they can help you save)

Debit cards can offer additional perks to help you save more of your money.
By René Bennett
5 min read
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Prepaid cards vs. debit cards

Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
By Brooklyn Lowery
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Debit-card spending limits: How to increase yours

Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
By René Bennett
4 min read

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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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.

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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

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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What is a checking account?

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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13 types of checking accounts

Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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Comparing checking accounts: 7 top features to look for

Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.

Checking account fees: What they are and how to avoid them

Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
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How to write a check: A step-by-step guide

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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How to deposit a check

There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Asian woman using laptop next to her dog, sitting at dining table at home. Work life balance. Living with a pet. Online shopping at home.

What is direct deposit? Here’s how it works

Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
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Best Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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What happens when a bank is liquidated?

Watch for these money headaches if your bank fails and no other bank takes over.
Jan 29, 2025
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5 ways to protect your bank account from identity theft

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 [...]
Jan 27, 2025
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.

What is Regulation E? Protect yourself from electronic banking fraud and errors

The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Aug 29, 2024
Woman paying at the gas pump

Places you should avoid using your debit card

Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
Jul 30, 2024
Person folds his hands in front of their face

What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account

A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Jul 31, 2025
Person using credit card at laptop

What is an interest checking account?

Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
Jul 30, 2025
Cash in gloved hand

3 ways to deposit cash into someone else’s account

Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Jul 28, 2025
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What is a second-chance checking account? Here’s everything you need to know

A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Jul 07, 2025
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Best student checking accounts of 2025

Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Jun 30, 2025
Capital One Bank signage in New York City

Banks that have cut or eliminated overdraft fees

Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Jun 24, 2025

What is a checking account?

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Jun 18, 2025
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Where can I cash a check without a bank account?

Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Jun 17, 2025
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Ally money market account rates

Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Aug 01, 2025
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank

What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Jul 31, 2025
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How to start (and build) an emergency fund

An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
Jul 31, 2025
Person folds his hands in front of their face

What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account

A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Jul 31, 2025
Woman watering plants.

Current CD rates for July 2025

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Jul 31, 2025
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell holds a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on June 18, 2025

Fed holds interest rates steady, resisting pressure from Trump

Officials are worried about cutting interest rates too soon as Trump’s tariffs push up inflation.
Jul 30, 2025
Federal Reserve Chair Powell Holds Press Conference On Interest Rates

July Fed Meeting Recap: FOMC keeps rates steady, while Powell says a September cut is uncertain

Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Jul 30, 2025
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration

Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present

Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Jul 30, 2025
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