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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

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

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Parents helping baby walk on beach
How to save on baby costs and avoid common financial mistakes made by new parents.
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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Learn some of the best strategies for saving for either your short- or long-term goals.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables
These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Image of bonds and cash
Consider these important factors before investing in bonds and CDs.
Karen Bennett working on a laptop
Now is still a good time to consider CDs for your portfolio. Here are five reasons.
Aerial view of a group of residential boat docks from homes along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Florida near Daytona
Managing your finances and choosing the right bank can be daunting, especially in a state as big and diverse as Florida.
Stacks of money lined up against a colorful red background
I’ve been in financial services for nearly 14 years and have helped customers with the most common deposit products, but this month was the first time I opened a certificate of deposit (CD) for myse [...]
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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