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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.

Checking

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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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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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.
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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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It’s important to find the right home for your emergency savings.
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Everything you need to know about opening an account.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
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A bank holding company owns a controlling interest in one or more banks.
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Whether a wildfire, hurricane or other type of disaster has affected you, the process of rebuilding will take time.
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Knowing your financial needs and goals can help you choose where to keep your money.
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