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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.
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.

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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Your money doesn’t just sit in the bank. Here’s what it’s been up to.
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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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Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
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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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