What are the benefits of using debit card over check?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 01, 2026
Here’s why:
- Convenience. Debit card payments allow you to complete transactions without having to fumble for cash, dig around in your purse or pockets for exact change, write out a check or go to an ATM.
- Security.
- Merchant appeal.
- Dual access.
- No bulk.
- No checks.
How is using a debit card different than using a check?
Access. Checking accounts allow you to write checks, make online purchases and transfer money. Debit cards can only be used to withdraw cash and make purchases online or at stores.
Is using a debit card better than cash?
A debit card used responsibly can be the best substitute for cash, as long as you know there’s money in the bank. By using a debit card, you’re not incurring any new high-interest debt. If you carry cash, you’ll know how much you’re spending from day to day. You might even put the brakes on if you’re spending too much.
What is bad about debit card?
Not only is a debit card unhelpful in building your credit, it can actually bring your credit score down—if you overdraft and carry a negative balance at your bank, it will show up as another debt on your credit report.
What is the downside to a debit card?
Disadvantages of a Debit Card These include: If you overspend, you could get hit with costly overdraft fees: If charges to your debit card cause your checking account balance to go negative, you could suffer overdraft fees and other steep charges that far exceed the potential costs of using a credit card.
What is the downside to using a debit card?
No grace period. Unlike a credit card, a debit card uses funds directly from your checking account.
- Check book balancing. Balancing your account may be difficult unless you record every debit card transaction.
- Potential fraud. Most financial institutions will try and protect their customer from debit card fraud.
- Fees.
Which is safer debit card or check?
Your name, address, and bank account number are all right there. A debit card is comparably safer, as long as you take a few basic precautions and if fraud does occur, as long as you catch it quickly you can count on being reimbursed.
What are the advantages of using debit cards instead of credit cards?
No Debt – With a credit card it’s easy to purchase anything you want, even if you don’t have the funds. With debit cards, the money comes directly from your bank account, so you avoid spending more money than you have. Plus, you don’t have to remember to pay the credit card bill once a month.
Can you use a check instead of a debit card?
Payments with checks won’t help towards any of those rewards. As long as you use your debit card at least a dozen times though, you can use checks too and still enjoy all the benefits.
Are there any disadvantages to having a debit card?
Although this disadvantage is becoming more rare, there are still situations where you can’t use a debit card. Some merchants are cash-only and if all you’ve got is your debit card, you’ll have to go somewhere else or hit up an ATM to get what you want. 4. Many debit cards have daily limits.
Can a debit card be used as an ATM?
You might, however, face overdraft fees if you try to spend more money than is in your account. Debit cards also work as ATM cards. You can use them to take cash directly out of your bank account. How Do Credit Cards Work?