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.
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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
Woman using an ATM
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
An older couple reviews a bill.
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.
Asian woman on laptop and talking on smartphone
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of offshore banking and whether or not the risks are worth the potential benefits.
Woman sitting at desk on laptop
Liquidity will be a big factor in choosing between term deposits and call deposits.
Young professional man working on a laptop in a cozy space with coffee
Being scammed can have devastating effects on your financial life.
A woman does research online.
These CD specials help you earn more money on interest without taking on risk.
Woman using a banking app on her phone
Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.
Young business woman working at the office on a laptop
Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
Artistic rendering of a Bank building attached to unrealistically large chains
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
Senior tourist couple discovering missing wallet
Losing your wallet can be reduced to a minor inconvenience if you know what to do.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc