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.

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.

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

Sarah Foster

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Senior Economic Analyst

Learn more

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.

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.

Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.

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.

Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.

Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.

The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.

Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.

Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.

Not all checking accounts are created equal.

Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.

Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop

Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.

Here’s how to find the nearest ATM in MoneyPass’s fee-free ATM network.

Mature businessman with electric vehicle using ATM machine on footpath

Here’s how to find the nearest ATM in Allpoint’s fee-free ATM network.

Illustration of American reaching for pennies and change

Even before inflation, Americans struggled to save for the future.

Chase offers bonus opportunities for new account customers.

Jerome Powell speaking. A now hiring banner in the background.

Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.

Business using smartphone with banking icon

Here are three reasons why an online-only bank can improve your banking experience.

Americans spent nearly $74,000 in 2022 just to keep their households running.

Illustration of a pile of cash inside of a life raft

The amount varies by individual, but there are guidelines.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information