3 Surprising Things a Debit Card Can Do That a Credit Card Can't

"Debit card" and "surprise" aren't usually two words you see next to each other. All in all, they're pretty straightforward, lacking the complex rules and structures of rewards credit cards. 

And yet for all their simplicity, debit cards might still surprise you in their versatility. While they may lack eye-watering rewards, they can beat the best credit cards in certain situations.

If you're not currently using a debit card, here are three things they can do that a credit card simply can't. 

1. Never put you at risk of going into debt 

Debit cards don't come with a line of credit, meaning you can't borrow money to make purchases with them. Instead, they let you use funds that are available within your checking or savings account. In other words, if you don't have the money in your account, a debit card won't let you buy it.  

For some people, this built-in guardrail can save them from going into debt. The truth is, credit cards have exorbitant interest rates that are pretty unforgiving if you don't pay your balance in full and on time each billing cycle. Since debit cards only let you spend what you have, they can help you avoid spontaneous shopping sprees and impulse buys.

On the flip side, credit cards aren't an automatic slippery slope into debt. In fact, some cards come with 0% promotional rates that give you time to pay back what you charge before the interest rate kicks in. Click here for our top picks for the best card with 0% intro APRs. These cards typically offer 12 to 21 months of 0% APR -- and you won't be charged a cent of interest if you pay in full. 

2. Fee-free withdrawals from ATMs 

If there's one place where a credit card never trumps a debit card, it's at an ATM. 

Debit cards typically allow you to withdraw cash at in-network ATMs without a charge. Some banks will even reimburse you for transactions at ATMs outside their networks. For example, the Ally Spending Account offers unlimited domestic ATM reimbursement, a rare perk for a free checking account. 

Meanwhile, credit cards are notoriously expensive to use at ATMs. Unlike a debit card, which draws from your own funds, a credit card borrows cash from the credit card company. This is known as a "cash advance," and it comes with fees and a cash advance APR that starts accumulating interest from the moment you withdraw cash. 

A cash advance can cost you, especially if you delay paying it off. Meanwhile, a debit card doesn't have an APR for withdrawals, nor are you charged a fee if you use ATMs within your network. 

3. No credit check requirement to get one 

Finally, it's worth noting that banks won't check your credit if you're opening a new account. Oftentimes, when your account is opened, the bank will send you a debit card for free as a courtesy for being a new client. 

To open a new credit card, however, you'll need to agree to a credit check. Credit card companies run hard inquiries on your credit to assess your creditworthiness. The hard inquiry will temporarily knock a few points off your credit score and remain on your credit report for 24 months. 

Of course, let's not look at this in black and white: Many households can benefit from using both credit and debit cards. As long as you pay off your credit card balances by their bill due date, having a couple of great cards in your wallet can add up in overall rewards. Check out our curated list of best credit cards to see which ones can give you the best bang for your spending.