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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.
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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

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A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
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Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
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Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
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The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
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Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances
Savings APYs remain high as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady.
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The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Older man with glasses sits on a couch next to a younger woman with curly hair. They are looking at official paperwork on a coffee table that also contains a calculator. There is an image of a large compass behind their heads and an blue arrow pointing from lower left to upper right.
Economic uncertainty is making it harder for low-income Americans save.
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High tariffs will make it harder for parents to afford the necessities — but don’t panic.
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After years of being passed over by established banks, startups are working to shift the paradigm in financial services and better serve LGBTQ customers. Here’s what the disruptors are building, how [...]
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Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
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Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Inflation can eat away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.
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Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
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