Checking Account vs Debit Card (2024)

Read Time: 4 Min

While checking accounts and debit cards are often presented by banks as a package deal, it’s important to understand the difference.

A checking account provides you with access to funds through deposits and withdrawals. When you open a new checking account, you can apply to receive a debit card.

Think of your debit card like a key to accessing the funds in your account. A debit card is a payment card that is linked to the funds in your account and can be used to withdraw or deposit cash at ATMs and be used at both in-person and online retailers. When you use your debit card to pay for goods or services, those funds will be deducted from your checking account balance.

What is a checking account?

A checking account is a type of bank account that allows both withdrawals and deposits. These accounts can be accessed in several ways, including checks, debit cards, and ATMs and can be opened with no minimum deposit or for a small minimum deposit, depending on the type of account. Also keep in mind that some checking accounts may also have minimum balance requirements in order to avoid maintenance fees.

Unlike other types of bank accounts, checking accounts do not limit the number of withdrawals and deposits that you can make. Checking accounts can be set up in person at a local bank branch or online, making them easy and convenient to establish^‡.

Some typical features of a checking account include personal checks, the ability to set up direct deposit of paychecks, and the ability to transfer or wire money^§. Huntington Bank offers online banking and bill pay options with scheduled payments to help you pay your bills on time, as well as digital banking tools that can help you reach your financial goals.

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What is a debit card?

A debit card is a type of payment card that conveniently facilitates secure and easy payments both online and in-person. Debit cards differ from credit cards in that the money attached to the debit card comes directly out of a checking account rather than being borrowed and paid later.

A key feature of debit cards is that they allow you to make withdrawals easily at ATMs by entering a pre-set PIN^¥. Huntington offers special debit card features to help you decide which type is best for you.

Can you have a debit card without a checking account?

Yes. If you do not have access to a bank account, whether it be due to identity theft recovery or otherwise, pre-paid debit cards can be a great alternative. Pre-paid debit cards need to be loaded with money, and you can buy one at a local store or online^††. A pre-paid card can also be used to withdraw money from an ATM, just like a standard debit card.

Is the checking account number on a debit card?

No. The number shown on the debit card is the card number, not the checking account number. The checking account number can be found along the bottom of a check, on a bank statement, or through an online banking platform. If you are unable to locate your account number, you can contact your bank’s customer service department^§§.

Can you have multiple debit cards for one checking account?

An individual bank account is opened by one person and owned by that person, and the funds can only be accessed by that individual with one debit card. But for a joint checking account, banks can provide you with a debit card for each person listed on the account^¥¥.

How can I withdraw money from a checking account without a debit card?

There a few ways to make a withdrawal without a debit card or ATM card. Tellers and employees at a bank branch can be very helpful in making withdrawals. If you have a checkbook, writing a check made out to cash will get your cash without an ATM. You can give your check to the bank teller or to a cashier at a local retailer to receive your funds in return^†††.

Related Content

Checking Basics Read Time: 4 Min What is a Debit Card? A debit card is a payment card connected to a checking account, and you can use it to make both online and in-person purchases, where cards are accepted. August 17, 2023

^† Peter Carleton. “Checking accounts vs. debit cards: 5 big differences.” Updated April 16, 2020.

^‡ Jake Frankenfield. “What Is a Checking Account?” Investopedia.com. Updated April 14, 2020.

^§ Chris Moon. “What is a Checking Account and How Does it Work?” ValuePenguin.com. Accessed April 2020.

^¥ Spencer Tierney. “What Is a Debit Card?” NerdWallet.com. Updated January 28, 2019.

^†† “Prepaid Cards” Consumer.gov. Accessed on August 26, 2020.

^‡‡ Justin Pritchard. “How to Live With No Bank Account.” TheBalance.com. Updated March 19, 2020.

^§§ Shen Lu. “Where Is The Account Number on a Check and What Is It For?” MagnifyMoney.com. Updated January 31, 2019.

^¥¥ Amy Wright. “Understanding joint bank accounts – How do they work?” BBVAUSA.com. Updated June 8, 2018.

^††† Lori Hubbard. “How to Withdraw Money Without an ATM Card.” PocketSense.com. Updated October 20, 2018.

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The information provided in this document is intended solely for general informational purposes and is provided with the understanding that neither Huntington, its affiliates nor any other party is engaging in rendering financial, legal, technical or other professional advice or services, or endorsing any third-party product or service. Any use of this information should be done only in consultation with a qualified and licensed professional who can take into account all relevant factors and desired outcomes in the context of the facts surrounding your particular circ*mstances. The information in this document was developed with reasonable care and attention. However, it is possible that some of the information is incomplete, incorrect, or inapplicable to particular circ*mstances or conditions. NEITHER HUNTINGTON NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES (DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM USING, RELYING ON OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT EVEN IF HUNTINGTON AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF OR FORESEEN THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES.

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FAQs

Checking Account vs Debit Card? ›

Checking accounts and debit cards often go hand in hand but, while they're closely related, they're not the same thing. A checking account acts as a financial hub, allowing you to deposit, store, and withdraw funds, while a debit card is a tool that provides convenient access to deposited funds.

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Which is safer, a debit card or a checking account? ›

Payments with a debit card are taken instantly from your checking account and shopping online comes with the added risk that your information may be stolen. Using a debit card opens up the possibility that the thief will gain access to the funds in your checking account.

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Can you have a checking account without a debit card? ›

Yes it is possible to have a checking account without a debit card. Just advise the representative that is opening the account that you do not want a debit card for the account. If you have a debit card on an existing account and don't want it anymore, ask the bank to close or block the card.

What is the difference between a debit card and a check card? ›

The terms "debit card" and "check card" mean the same thing. A debit card withdraws money from your checking account as a check does; therefore, it debits your account. It can also withdraw money from your savings account, if you have it set up that way when you ask for a card.

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Is checking account debit or credit? ›

The money deposited into your checking account is a debit to you (an increase in an asset), but it is a credit to the bank because it is not their money. It is your money and the bank owes it back to you, so on their books, it is a liability. An increase in a Liability account is a credit.

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What is a disadvantage of a checking account? ›

Potential downsides to most types of checking accounts can include: Usually does not earn interest. Monthly service fees. Overdraft fees.

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What is the major disadvantage of using a debit card? ›

Some ATMs will charge withdrawal fees, and if you use more than the agreed overdraft limit then the fees tend to be much greater than those incurred by credit card usage. Another disadvantage of debit cards is the fact that they have limited funds, which can slow down business.

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Is a debit card like a checking account? ›

A debit card is not a checking account, it is a card linked to a checking account. The primary difference between a debit and checking account is that a checking account holds money, whereas a debit card simply provides access to that money.

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Is my debit card a checking? ›

Checking accounts and debit cards often go hand in hand but, while they're closely related, they're not the same thing. A checking account acts as a financial hub, allowing you to deposit, store, and withdraw funds, while a debit card is a tool that provides convenient access to deposited funds.

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Which is riskier to use a check or a debit card? ›

I am not suggesting that debit cards are risk free. They can be compromised as well. However, there is a greater risk with check writing and potentially more serious consequences should you experience check fraud.

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What is the point of a checking account? ›

A checking account helps you manage your day-to-day finances, such as paying your bills, receiving direct deposit of your paycheck and withdrawing cash from an ATM. A savings account is a place to build an emergency fund or setting aside money toward a specific goal, such as an upcoming vacation.

What is the limit on a checking account? ›

The current FDIC coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per financial institution. So if you have checking and savings accounts at multiple banks, each one is FDIC-insured up to that limit.

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When would you use a debit card? ›

A debit card lets you spend money in your bank account. You can use it worldwide in shops, online, over the phone and at cash machines.

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Is it better to use a bank account or a debit card? ›

Debit cards and checking accounts are important financial tools that work together to help you easily manage your money. Debit cards offer some advantages, such as faster transaction processing and added security, making them a convenient option for everyday use.

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What is the biggest con to using a debit card? ›

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.