Can You Get a Debit Card for a Savings Account?

When you think of a debit card, you probably picture one that’s connected to a checking account, but some banks and credit unions also offer debit cards linked to savings accounts, giving customers another way to access their money. Before you assume they work the same way, though, it’s important to understand the differences. Here’s what you need to know about getting, and using, a debit card for a savings account.

If you find yourself constantly going in and out of your savings accounts, consider working with a financial advisor to help you create a financial plan and choose the right financial accounts for your situation.

What Is a Debit Card?

A debit card is a bank ATM card that also enables customers to make purchases. Debit cards combine the best of ATM cards and credit cards. Like an ATM card, they have a 4-digit pin. They also have a 16-digit card number, 3-digit code and signature stripe just like a credit card. However, the money comes from your linked bank account instead of owing debt when you make a purchase.

When debit card customers make a purchase, they can choose to make payments as a debit card or a credit card. As a debit card, the customer swipes the card and enters their ATM pin code. For credit card transactions, they swipe and sign.

Debit cards are the preferred payment method for people who want to avoid debt. Since all payments come out of their linked bank account, they cannot spend more money than what they have in the bank.

Benefits of a Savings Account

Investors use bank accounts as a safe place to store money while earning interest on their balances. Here are a few of the benefits of having a savings account.

Earn interest: You’ll earn interest on the average balance in your savings account. Although traditional savings account interest rates are lower, you may be able to earn more interest by using a high-yield savings account.
Flexible deposits and withdrawals: Unlike a certificate of deposit, savings account balances are not locked up for a period of time. You can add or withdraw money at any time without incurring penalties.
FDIC protection: Your combined balances at each bank are insured for up to $250,000 under FDIC coverage. By titling your accounts differently, you may be able to get even higher levels of protection for your bank balances.
Overdraft protection: When you link your checking and savings account, you can authorize your savings account to avoid overdraft fees. Some banks may charge a fee for these automatic transfers.
Maintain value: Unlike some other investment options, balances in a savings account do not fluctuate in value. Because of this, they are an excellent choice for short-term money and emergency funds.

Can You Get a Debit Card for a Savings Account?

A man using a bank debit card to pay for lunch.

Unfortunately, savings accounts usually don’t come with checks or debit cards. To access your cash without stepping foot into a branch, most banks offer an ATM card so you can withdraw cash at an ATM.

If you have a checking and a savings account at your bank, you may be able to link both accounts to your checking account’s debit card. However, when you make debit card purchases, the money comes from your checking account. At the ATM, you can transfer money between your linked checking and savings accounts.

How to Use a Debit Card for a Savings Account

If your bank offers a debit card linked to a savings account, you can typically use it much like a standard debit card. Depending on the financial institution, you may be able to withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases in stores or online, or transfer money between linked accounts. However, because savings accounts are designed to help people save rather than spend, some banks limit the types of transactions you can make or the number of withdrawals you can complete within a given period.

Before using a savings account debit card for everyday spending, it’s important to review your bank’s policies. Some institutions may charge fees for certain ATM withdrawals or restrict point-of-sale purchases. Using the card primarily for occasional cash withdrawals or transfers, rather than routine spending, can help you avoid unexpected fees and keep your savings intact while still giving you convenient access to your money when needed.

Alternatives to Savings Accounts

Other types of accounts must be considered when you want to earn interest on your money but need debit card access. The most common debit card accounts include the following:

High-yield checking accounts: While checking accounts usually offer a debit card, most don’t earn interest. High-yield checking accounts earn some of the best interest rates while offering all of the benefits of a traditional checking account.
High-yield money market account: Money market accounts offer limited check-writing capabilities, debit card access and earn interest. High-yield money market accounts offer the best of both worlds, although some require higher balances to earn the best interest rates.
Money market mutual funds: While money market mutual funds typically don’t offer debit cards, many do allow customers to write checks. You’ll also earn competitive interest rates without locking up your money.

Bottom Line

A man checking the balance on his bank debit card.

A savings account is an important piece of your financial plan. Although they do not offer debit cards, you can get an ATM card to get cash at the ATM instead of going into a branch. And most banks allow you to link your savings account to a debit card if you also have a checking account. You won’t be able to make debit card purchases from your savings account, but you can transfer money to your linked checking account to complete the transaction.

Tips for Earning Interest

Financial advisors help clients find the best accounts to earn income on their money. These decisions are incorporated into their financial plan to meet their goals. This is exactly how a financial advisor can help you better prepare your finances for your unique situation. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Earning interest on your bank account balances is a guaranteed way to earn money without any risk. Our savings calculator estimates how much interest you’ll earn on your money at different interest rates. If you’re not earning enough interest, consider upgrading to a high-yield savings account.