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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.

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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

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.
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Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
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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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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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.
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Not all checking accounts are created equal.
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Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
And elderly couple discussing HYSA options
Two-thirds of American savers say they’re earning rates below 4% APY. Here’s why.
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A money market account is like a parking spot for cash, but with a few guardrails.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
Business colleagues having a conversation
These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.
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Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
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CDs hold your funds for a set period. In exchange, you get a reliable return.
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Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s everything you need to know.
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