Debit card is a card issued by a bank which allows consumers to buy a product or services from by utilizing their own account like checking or current account. Transactions made against a debit card are debited from the current account or checking account of the consumer. The amount you can spend is limited by the amount available in your bank account. You can use a debit card in various places like stores, ATMs or online etc.

Opening a checking account(individual account or joint account) is very easy in US. If there is a promotional offer from a bank, then the bank would provide you money($50), or gifts for opening a checking account. Once you open a checking account, checks and a debit card would be given to you by that bank. In USA, several apartments don't accept credit cards or debit cards and you have to issue a check to them for monthly rental amount. Once in a month, a bill would be sent by the bank electronically or by post to you for the detailed transactions done on your account.

Before applying for any checking cards, it is better to shop around and compare the product features(minimum balance that should be maintained, dividends provided, cost of the checks, maximum no. of checks that can be used within a month, overdraft facility etc) of different debit cards available in the market.

Record your transactions regularly. Take a time to review your monthly statements or bills sent by the bank.

Try to save atleast past six months statements, as you may require these while approaching for visitor visas or for any verification purposes.

Whenever there is a fraud transaction on your card, contact the bank immediately and they would provide you with assistance to resolve those problems.

Credit Cards      Credit Bureaus