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.
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Latest articles

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.

If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.

Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.

Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.

APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.

A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.

Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.

JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.

The term “Trumpcession” has been popping up in headlines this week, as economists and market watchers debate whether President Trump’s economic policies could trigger a downturn. But are we actually [...]

The Fed will most likely hold interest rates steady, but here’s how it could still impact your wallet.

The free stock trading outfit had previously walked back deposit product plans.

Federal Reserve officials are giving themselves room to be flexible with monetary policy.

Challenged by fintech startups, banks are pushing new services to customers.

The Fed voted to leave interest rates alone for the second-straight meeting.

Branch banking is rapidly changing with the rise of automation and fintech.

Many Americans are adding nothing to their savings. These are the biggest reasons.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank is in no rush to adjust rates.
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