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Checking

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

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
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The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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Financial markets may drop lower, but APYs on high-yield savings remain high.
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Looking for a stable way to pay off your debts with money left to save? Read on.
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If you have over $25,000 in your savings account, consider these strategies.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
A headshot of Hanna Hovarth, a woman with blonde shoulder length hair wearing a black shirt. Next to her is a money bag with a dollar sign on it.
A certified financial planner shares a practical five-step strategy to protect your finances from inflation’s ongoing impact.
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Here’s how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau works to keep consumers safe.
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Planning for retirement? Here’s what you need to know about IRA CDs.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
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