Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
Checking
Available balance vs. current balance
Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.
Checking
Checking account fees
Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.
Checking
Bank account alerts to protect your money
Explore the types of bank account alerts you can set up to help you stay informed about your finances whenever and wherever you are.
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Bankrate Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
Experian’s new savings account has a yield based on membership tier and no minimum deposit.
The Fed’s inflation fight is far from over.
Here’s what separates a share draft account from a checking account.
Should you keep money you need access to in a no-penalty CD or in a savings account?
Community development financial institutions provide banking with a purpose.
Rates are now at a near 15-year high, but what comes next?
These are the cities where ATM fees will put the biggest dent in your wallet.
They may have found a better-paying job, but are those workers better off?
Here are some ways fintech is aiming to improve banking.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information