People want checking into a hotel to feel simple. Hand over your card, get your room keys, wander to the elevator. But the system behind that front desk is built for credit cards, not debit cards.

Learn about prepaid debit cards, their benefits, fees, and whether they're right for you. Discover how they compare to regular debit cards and alternative options.

Debit cards pull funds directly from your bank account when making purchases or withdrawing cash. Setting up a PIN and monitoring account balances via mobile apps helps avoid overspending and fees.

Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for ...