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Checking

Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.

Explore checking basics

A woman uses mobile banking while eating.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

Get started with a checking account

Checking

Types of checking accounts

Whether you’re making payments online, using a debit card, or writing a physical check, a checking account is a necessity for most people. Here are some of the most-widely available types of checking accounts offered at banks and credit unions.

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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.

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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.

 

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Experts in all things banking

Our expert writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.

About Bankrate's team
Greg McBride

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
United States Treasury savings bonds.
You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
Computer artwork of a businessman looking at giant, white piggy bank.
Get ahead of your savings by raising your rate by an amount you prefer. Here’s how.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 16, 2025.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Federal Reserve seal
Is it still too soon for the Fed to cut rates?
President Donald Trump talking
Here’s why Fed officials are so concerned about the trade war right now.
Man in manufacturing plant
But the revision was less than economists thought it would be.
Digit app
For 99 cents per withdrawal, users can move money from their account into another within minutes.
Man paying with credit card
With the best job market in decades, the Fed is wondering why there isn’t more inflation.
Jerome Powell at press conference
The Fed continues to delay any interest rate moves amid persistently low inflation.
President Trump and Jerome Powell
The Fed might find itself in a tricky situation.
Welders at work
GDP expanded by 3.2 percent, but gains came from the typically more volatile components.
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