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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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Experts in all things banking

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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.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
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.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Person looking at smartphone
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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Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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 [...]
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
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.
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A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
In case of emergency, break emergency savings fund | Creative RF/Getty Images
1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
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