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

Explore checking basics

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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.

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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.
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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.
Jerome Powell at Fed meeting
Powell faced criticism from Democratic congressmen for his positive evaluation of the job market despite a period of slow pay gains.
Jerome Powell speaks at Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a positive assessment of the U.S. economy that nonetheless faces some risks.
Wall Street in New York City
Experts are betting that a recession will occur by the end of 2021, a new survey suggests.
Federal Reserve building
Will the Federal Reserve raise borrowing costs two times in 2019, as it initially anticipated? That’s a question even the officials on the inside can’t answer.
Man relaxed smiling
It could save you time when switching accounts and even inspire you to build a bank of your own.
Man and woman walking past Wells Fargo in Manhattan
Are bank mistakes giving you a headache? Here’s what to do.
Chairman of the Federal Reserve nominee Jerome Powell is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
Learn all about Jerome Powell, who is presiding over his first FOMC policy meeting.
Dad and son doing dishes in kitchen | Hero Images/Getty Images
A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
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