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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.
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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.

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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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About Bankrate
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Bankrate Financial Analyst

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
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Most people know they should save. But understanding why can make the habit stick. Saving isn’t just about “being responsible” — it’s about control, opportunity, and peace of mind. Here are seven [...]
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A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
PNC Bank building
PNC Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Here’s how to find one near you.
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Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
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Follow these steps to send or request money easily with Zelle.
United States Treasury savings bonds.
You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
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Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S.
Feel like a victim of bad financial practices? Here’s how to file a CFPB complaint.
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Experts say you can cut many financial disputes off before they happen by having separate financial accounts.
You can’t take it with you, so what happens to your bank account after you pass on?
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