Banking and Finance

How to Get the Most Out of Your Debit Card

Elizabeth
July 27, 2021

While people often talk about optimizing credit card rewards, few savvy savers understand how to get the most out of their debit cards. Avoiding monthly maintenance fees and keeping your personal information safe are only two of the many ways you can get the most out of your debit card.


From learning how to spend less in fees to figuring out how to connect your debit card to a budgeting and tracking app, here are our top Cheese tips for making the most of your checking account’s debit card.

Get the Right Debit Card

Getting the most out of your debit card starts with signing up for the right one! Do your research regarding the pros and cons of each account, along with the fees associated with each debit card. When doing so, consider the following:


  • How do you save and spend your money?
  • Are you interested in rewards or simply fee-free checking?
  • Are you looking to eventually link a savings account, CD, or money market account to the checking account?
  • Do you need access to digital tools such as money transfer options and mobile banking?
  • Is it important that you have access to a physical branch near you, or are you okay with 100% online banking?

Enroll in Cashback Rewards

Certain debit cards offer cashback rewards. Yes, they exist; they’re not just reserved for rewards credit cards


While few cashback debit cards rival the 3% cashback you can earn with the Cheese Debit Card, other great options include:


  • Discover Cashback Debit Card: up to 1% cashback monthly on all purchases.
  • Axos Bank CashBack Debit Card: 1% cashback on eligible purchases when you maintain a $1,500 balance.
  • Radius Bank Rewards Checking: 1.5 % cashback on spending in the categories of health, food, groceries/restaurants, entertainment, and social good; 1% cashback in all other spending categories.

Choose a Safe PIN Number

PIN number | Cheese Debit Card

Optimizing your debit card includes protecting the money that’s in the connected checking account. When you get a new debit card, be sure to choose a safe PIN number to avoid theft.


It’s best to choose a unique PIN number that someone with access to your personal information couldn’t guess. This means it’s best to avoid using your birthdate or a combination of numbers including your birthdate. Don’t use the numbers of your home address or anything else that’s on any card that somebody could find while searching through your wallet.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Most traditional banks charge monthly fees to cover their overhead costs. Be sure that, when signing up for a new debit card account, you’re aware of the fees involved, including:



Most online banks waive these fees, so make sure you’re aware of what they are so you know how to avoid them.

Set Up Alerts for Low Balances

Digital and mobile banking are so popular nowadays that it’s pretty easy to manage your finances online. Take advantage of your bank’s mobile app if they have one and set up alerts.


Banks like Chase and Wells Fargo allow you to set up alerts when your balance reaches a certain limit. This can be helpful as a budgeting tool but also as a tool to help you ensure you never reach a point where you have insufficient funds to pay for something an incur an overdraft fee.

Keep Track of Transactions

With access to online banking, there’s no reason not to track your transactions. With certain banks, you can set up alerts for transactions and withdraws along with low balance alerts. However, logging into your online banking portal weekly is an efficient way to ensure that you’re not getting charged for fees you’re not aware of and that merchants are reporting your purchase amounts correctly.

Take Advantage of Digital Tools

Larger banks such as Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America all offer access to the built-in transfer app Zelle. However, depending on who you’re banking with, you might be able to access other digital tools such as budgeting tools, courses on credit, and more.

Sign Up for a Fee-Free, Cashback Debit Card

The best way to get the most out of your debit card? Sign up for a card that’s optimized for earning you cash back on your spending and that comes with built-in savings perks. You know, like the Cheese Debit Card.


❌ No Monthly Fee                                    🧀️ $5 cash bonus    

❌ No ATM Fee                                           🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase/transaction

❌ No Overdraft Fee                                   🧀️ Potential Double Cheese Cashback

❌ No Insufficient Fund Fee                       🧀️ Up to 3% Saving Bonus

❌ No Minimum Balance Requirement      🧀️ Early Paycheck

The card allows you to earn cashback on all spending. And, it does so while allowing you to enjoy zero fees. No banking fees, high cashback rates, and even the chance to earn multiple Cheese Rewards? It’s as good as it sounds. Sign up to join us today.