What is a debit card, and how do I get one?

If you’re taking your first steps toward financial independence, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with the debit card. Let’s answer some questions like: What is a debit card? How do you use one? How can you get one? We’ll also cover the benefits of debit cards and how they compare to credit cards.

A debit card is a physical form of payment—meaning it’s a card you can hold in your hand that’s typically connected to a checking account. It’s sometimes possible to link a debit card to a savings account or another cash account like a money market account (a type of savings account that typically earns a higher interest rate, meaning your money grows faster).

You can use a debit card to pay in person and online or to take out cash from your account via an ATM. Whatever the transaction, the money is immediately drawn (that is, debited) from your account.

We’ve answered the question, “What is a debit card?” But how does it compare to a credit card?

They may look similar, but there are some important differences between them to keep in mind:

A debit card pays for transactions with money you already have in an account. A credit card essentially picks up the tab and sends you a bill later. After buying something with your debit card, money will be removed from your account balance almost immediately.

Your credit card has a credit balance, which is how much you’ll eventually need to pay back to the credit card company. When you purchase something with your credit card, your credit balance will increase by that amount. Meanwhile, your remaining available credit (how much you have left to spend before you hit your limit) will decrease.

With a debit card, you can only spend as much as you have in your account. Credit cards, on the other hand, are effectively lending you money to spend. However, credit card companies don’t want you to spend more than you can eventually pay back. As a result, they cap how much money you can spend. This is known as your credit limit.

The most common fees associated with a debit card are:

• Minimum balance fees: when your balance falls below a required amount

• Overdraft fees: when you don’t have enough money in your account to pay for your debit card transactions 

Does your checking account charge overdraft fees? Capital One 360 Checking doesn’t, which helps you keep more of your money.

Credit cards don’t have those fees, but you can be charged other fees if you don’t pay your total monthly credit balance on time. That’s because you’ll start building up interest on any balances not paid in full by the end of the billing cycle. The longer it takes to pay off your balance, the more you’ll end up owing in interest.

Some, but not all, money market accounts offer debit cards. These accounts typically earn interest and are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured. Also, they can also offer check writing.

Debit cards are a useful and convenient way to spend money without carrying a checkbook or large amounts of cash. When you know how to use a debit card, you can get the most out of:

Debit cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash from your account. Simply insert or tap the card, type in your PIN and select how much money you want to withdraw. Some banks and ATMs may charge fees if you use your card with an unaffiliated financial institution, so make sure you know which ATMs are free for you to use. There are more than 70,000 fee-free Capital One and partner ATMs.

Like a credit card, you can use your debit card in person at a cash register. Depending on your card type, you will either swipe, insert or tap your debit card and possibly enter your PIN to make your purchase. For example, you can use your Capital One contactless debit card to easily pay for groceries at the register. You’re probably used to seeing debit cards used this way at stores and restaurants.

Debit cards can also be used for buying things online. However, when you place an order online, you typically need to enter more information since you don’t physically swipe your card. That information can include your card number, expiration date, security code, billing address and more.

There’s a reason that a debit card is a staple in so many people’s wallets. Debit cards come with several benefits:

• Convenience. It’s simpler and quicker to use a debit card to make purchases and withdraw money than it is to write checks.

• Security. Your money is typically protected by FDIC insurance, a protection program backed by the U.S. government that safeguards your money if a bank fails. Additionally, many banks will send you a fraud alert if any suspicious activity is detected.

You can use a debit card for purchases in person and online, or to withdraw cash directly from your account at ATMs. Remember that fees may apply.

You won’t pay interest on the transactions you make with your debit card. However, you need to be aware of common debit card fees and how to avoid them:

• Overdraft fees: If your bank doesn’t offer overdraft protection, this is a fee to keep an eye on. You might get one if you accidentally spend more money than you have in your linked account. You shouldn’t have to pay overdraft fees, and with Capital One 360 Checking you don’t.

• ATM fees: Using ATMs outside of your bank’s ATM network may result in fees that will be deducted from your linked account. Capital One teamed up with MoneyPass and Allpoint to give you more ways to get cash. That means 70,000+ fee-free locations are ready when you are.

• Maintenance fees: Some banks charge account maintenance fees if your minimum balance falls below a certain amount. According to a 2025 Bankrate study, the average monthly maintenance fee for non-interest-earning checking accounts was $5.47. This isn’t something you’ll have to worry about if you have a Capital One account.

While the above debit card fees can reduce your account balance, they can often be avoided by checking your balance, keeping an eye on your spending and using the right ATMs.

To get a debit card for yourself, follow these steps:

1. Research financial institutions
   Different banks have different fees, ATM networks and benefits. That means you’ll want to assess your options. Some banks may offer specific perks for opening a new account or using your debit card regularly. Others may have more flexible options that allow you to avoid fees.

2. Open an account with your financial institution of choice
   You can’t have a debit card without some sort of bank account (checking or money market) tied to it. Once you’ve chosen a bank, open an account with them.

3. Activate your debit card
   Your debit card should come with instructions on how to activate it. This typically involves calling a phone number or going online. It’s easy to activate your new debit card right in the Capital One mobile app so you can start using it immediately.

Having and using a debit card is usually available to all ages. But if you’re under 18, you’ll need a legal guardian to open the linked account for you. For kids aged 6 to 18, consider the MONEY Teen Checking account and debit card. There are no fees to open.

Finding the right debit card for you can offer financial freedom. In fact, there are many perks to having a debit card. This is especially true when you know how to use one to your benefit.

To recap:

• A debit card is a payment card usually linked to a checking account that lets you spend your own money for everyday purchases and ATM withdrawals.

• People use debit cards because they’re widely accepted and simpler to use than cash or checks.

• To get started, you open a bank account that includes debit card access. When it arrives, activate it to begin using it for purchases and withdrawals.

Now you know all about debit cards and how they work. If you're ready to open a 360 Checking account, Capital One makes it easy to do in about 5 minutes so you can get back to what matters.