
7 types of debit cards and how to choose one

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Debit cards make it so easy to spend and manage money. Today, kids and teens are using debit cards at earlier ages. There are so many types of debit cards out there, though. Some are tied directly to traditional checking accounts, while others (like prepaid debit cards) require you to add funds to them before use. Then there are debit cards with special perks, like rewards programs or budgeting tools. So which one is right for your family?
Here, we break down the most common types of debit cards, how each is different, and give quick tips to help you decide which type of debit card is right for your family.
What is a debit card?
A debit card is a physical, usually plastic, card that connects directly to your bank account. It can be used to make purchases, transfer money, deposit checks, or withdraw cash from an ATM. Debit cards are linked to your bank account so all transactions are deducted directly from your account balance. Some debit cards may offer overdraft protection, which lets you spend more than whatâs currently in your account â but beware because this often comes with additional fees.Â
Debit cards vs. credit cards
Unlike a credit card, which borrows money from a bank that you repay later (potentially with interest), debit cards use your personal funds. For this reason, they can also be helpful tools for keeping your budget in check and teaching your kids and family about money management.Â
Debit cards can also be more secure than cash. They typically require a PIN or security token to initiate a transaction. Plus, many come with debit card fraud protection against unauthorized transactions.
7 types of debit cards
With so many choices, itâs helpful to narrow the field by function and features. Here are seven of the main ones you should know about.
1. Standard debit card
This is the classic. Itâs linked directly to your checking account and can be used for both in-person and online shopping. You can also use it to withdraw cash from ATMs.Â
2. Prepaid debit card
Think of this as a âstarter card.â You load money onto it, and once itâs gone, itâs gone (although if itâs a reloadable prepaid debit card, additional funds can be added). Prepaid cards donât require a bank account, making them an excellent option for younger kids or anyone learning to manage their spending.
3. Virtual debit card
This one lives on your phone or virtual wallet instead of your pocket. Itâs useful for online shopping or in-app purchases. Virtual cards add extra security since they donât involve sharing your physical card details.
4. Contactless debit card
This is another physical debit card that makes it easier to shop on the go. With contactless debit cards, you just tap to pay, so theyâre quick to use when youâre in a hurry. Plus, since you donât need to hand over your card or touch the payment terminal, you get the added perk of avoiding germs!
5. Family debit card
Designed for families (like the Greenlight debit card), these cards often come with features to help parents and kids manage money together. Parents can set spending limits, track transactions, and even assign chores for allowance payments.
6. EMV debit card
These cards have a secure EMV chip (EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa), and secures your data during transactions. Many debit cards today now include EMV chips, but not all cards do, particularly older or limited-purpose cards like ATM-only debit cards.Â
7. ATM-only debit card
ATM-only cards are exactly what they sound like. They arenât meant to be used for anything other than withdrawing cash from ATMs and wonât work for online or in-store purchases. This type is less common but can be a simple option for accessing cash without overspending.
How to choose the right debit card
Trying to figure out which of these debit card options is the right choice can be headache-creating. Here are some tips to help.
Think about the purpose
Are you looking for a card to teach your kids financial independence? A prepaid or family debit card is a great choice. Need something for your own daily spending? A standard or contactless debit card might be the way to go.
Look at the fees
Some debit cards come with fees for ATM withdrawals or reloading money. Make sure you understand the fine print so youâre not surprised by extra costs.
Check the features
Family-friendly cards often have tools like spending controls, savings goals, and chore trackingâall of which can be super helpful for teaching financial literacy.
Consider security
Some debit cards (virtual, contactless, or EMV-chipped) provide an additional layer of security. You may want to look for debit cards that offer fraud protection and real-time transaction updates.
Debit cards are super convenient. Theyâre also a fun way to teach money smarts! Focus on the features you need most to hone in on which debit card is best for your family.
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