Credit cards aren’t always the best spending option. Sometimes debit cards make more sense (perhaps you need cash and don’t want cash advance fees or your credit card simply isn’t handy). Today we’ll look at some things you can do to help you get the most of your debit card that’s tied to your bank account.

If you want to get the most out of debit cards, consider these tips:

1. Keep a high minimum balance in your bank account.

While debit cards don’t generally have annual fees like some credit cards do, they often are tied to checking accounts with monthly maintenance fees. Some banks will waive these monthly account fees if you maintain a certain minimum balance.

For example, if you have an NAB Gold Banking with Visa Debit account there is normally a $10 monthly fee. Deposit at least $5000 though, and the account service fee will be waived. Those fees can really add up over the course of a year, so do what you can to minimise them.

2. Get point-of-sale cash back.

ATMs often charge a fee for withdrawing cash. But some stores allow you to get cash back at the register when you pay using your debit card. It’s another way you might be able to cut out some fees associated with the card and your account.

3. Research your perks.

You might think that perks only come with credit cards, but that’s not the case. Some debit cards offer users perks as well. The NAB Gold card mentioned above, for example, offers both free international travel insurance and purchase protection insurance when you make purchases using your card. That account also lets you use your debit card at overseas ATMs at no added cost and charges no foreign currency conversion fees. Those perks could be important if you frequently travel.

4. Use your debit card, instead of credit cards, whenever you need cash.

One of the biggest benefits debit cards have over credit cards is the fact that you don’t have to pay any interest. While credit cards might offer interest free days on purchases, they usually don’t for cash advances. That means if you use a credit card to get cash at an ATM you’re probably going to be charged a high interest rate right away. If you only take out cash using your debit card, you never have to worry about interest when you just need a few dollars for a small expense like eating out.

To get the most out of your debit card, always review the terms from your bank. Some will have ways for you to avoid fees, and others won’t. Some will offer perks, but not all do. The only real way to make your debit card work for you is to figure out exactly what it offers. In the end though, you’ll always cut out interest, and at least that’s a start!