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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.
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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

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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American Express launched a digital consumer checking account for card members.
A senior woman goes on her smartphone.
There’s no need to see a teller at the bank when you can perform these tasks on your smartphone.
A mobile banking app used at the ATM.
Experts weigh in on ways to improve safety for using the more than 50-year old technology.
Mark Cuban's company Dave
Fintech firm Dave created a product that reinvents overdraft fees and helps customers build their credit.
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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.
mom in graduation gown holding daughter
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.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
image of lawnmower and cash
Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
woman holding a pen and signing paperwork in the living room at home
A bank reconciliation statement helps you track business finances and catch errors.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
A man researches online.
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
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.
Mother with baby paying bills online.
Budgeting is key to understanding where your household’s money is going.
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