Many banks offer debit and automated teller machine (ATM) cards in conjunction with checking accounts as an alternative for customers to access their checking accounts and make payments.  A debit card is a banking card that can be used to withdraw cash from an ATM, and make a purchase at a retail store.  When you use a debit card to pay for goods and services, the purchase amount is automatically deducted from your checking account.  As with standard checking accounts, debit and ATM cards are offered by financial institutions in exchange for fees.  Fees for these services vary among financial institutions and include charges for usage, insufficient funds, and foreign ATM machines.