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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 reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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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.
Woman paying at the gas pump
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
Young woman holding a stack of cards and thinking
Credit and debit cards are both popular payment methods, but with different purposes.
man buying concessions at the movie theatre
Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
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Ever heard of a neobank? If not, here’s what you need to know.
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Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
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Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Young woman using the ATM
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a press conference.
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
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The worst downturn in a lifetime was also the shortest.
Friends laugh while gathered at a table eating a meal and socialization.
Here’s where the nation’s top economists see hiring, the Fed and inflation heading over the next year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
Higher inflation and a troubled labor market could be the Fed’s nightmare scenario.
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Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
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The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
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The longer an individual is out of a job, the more likely they are to lose skills, face discrimination from employers and see lower wages.
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The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.
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