These are the best debit cards in the US
A debit card is a form of payment in which money gets debited immediately from one’s bank account, so they only spend the money they have. In this way, a debit card encourages disciplined management of finances. Debit cards also contribute to the growth of a cashless economy. So, if considering getting one, one can choose from some of the best debit cards, of which, many will be issued at minimal or no cost.
Features of a Good Debit Card
- No hidden fees
- No ATM withdrawal fee
- An abundance of the availability of ATMs of the debit card issuer bank
- The checking account from where the money goes during transactions made by the debit card has no monthly maintenance or annual fees.
- For frequent travellers, a debit card can be considered the best debit card with a 0% foreign transaction rate with no international ATM withdrawal fee.
Debit cards proceed with transactions in two different ways—differed or signature-based and direct or pin-based. Differed or signature-based debit card transactions require the signature of the user during the purchase and deduction of the money from the checking account; this process takes two to three days. Direct or pin-based debit card transactions require entering a PIN during a purchase and money goes immediately from the checking account. Although both debit transactions are secure, PIN debit transaction can be considered as more secure because the card is authenticated by the cardholder with a PIN, transactions cannot be done by others until the PIN number is known.
Top Debit Cards in the US
Finding the best debit cards is difficult since some hidden conditions can be known by a customer after using it. Following are few commonly used debit cards in the United States.
1. Bank of America Debit Card
Bank of America offers a very convenient and secure debit card; this is one of the best debit cards has total security protection with zero liability guarantee. The Chip technology embedded with the debit card, which makes it more secure. The card has free access to own ATMs (nearly 16000); this means that no charge will be levied, which is $2.50 in the US. Foreign debit card cost is 3% and foreign ATM withdrawal cost is $5 with an addition to 3% of the withdrawal amount.
2. Navy Federal Debit Card
One of the best debit cards provided by Navy Federal Credit Union, commonly used in the United States and accepted in many locations worldwide. The is one of the best debit cards has free access to the own ATMs and there are thousands of Navy Federal ATMs are available in the country, which makes the card easier for deposits and withdrawals. The zero-liability policy of the card protects the card from unauthorized purchases. The cost for the foreign debit card is 0.8% to 1% which depends on whether there is a currency conversion. Moreover, foreign ATM withdrawal cost $1 with an addition to 0.8% or 1% of the withdrawal amount.
3. Wells Fargo Visa Debit Card
These cards are used for making purchase and bill paying worldwide including through online and phone. Wells Fargo debit cards can be used in withdrawing, depositing cash, and transferring funds from the accounts linked to the debit card.
These cards are of three types—platinum debit card, Instant Issue debit card, and campus card. For the platinum debit card, customers with eligible Well Fargo Checking accounts can use this card worldwide. For the Instant Issue debit card, which has with a validity period of 30 days, a card can be issued instantly if someone just has opened an account or the card has been lost or stolen. Finally, a campus card, which basically is a campus identification card for getting access to campus facilities, works as a debit card as well.
Wells Fargo debit card has zero liability protection facility without extra cost. By using their free online money management tool customers can easily track their purchase and payments made by the debit card. The card has free access to Wells Fargo ATMs and per transaction charge in Non-Wells Fargo ATMs is $2.50. ATM withdrawal fee outside the country $5 for each transaction.
4. PayPal Business Debit MasterCard
This debit card is useful for managing a business account, as during transactions, the money goes from the PayPal account instead of a bank account. Hence, for using this debit card, PayPal balance is required. This card has a 1% monthly cash back offer which has been added to the PayPal account on the basis of eligible purchases. This card can be used in everywhere MasterCard is accepted. ATM withdrawal fee $1.50 for per transaction within the country or in a foreign country and this fee will be charged for balance inquiry also. Counter per signature withdrawal fee $3 for withdrawing cash.
5. Bank of Internet USA Visa Debit Card
This card is offered by the most reliable internet bank of the USA, the Bank of Internet. This card comes with built-in chip technology which provides the greater fraud protection. This is one of the best debit cards that has a reward facility of 1% cash back, which will automatically deposit into the related checking account while a signature-based transaction is made by Bank of Internet Visa debit card. The card can be used in any ATM nationwide, and the bank has an ATM fee reimbursement policy but does not include international ATM transactions.