Skip to Main Content

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.
woman 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.
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

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.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Garage sale in grass on street curb with autumn trees background
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
A long spiral staircase.
Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
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.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
distressed woman with laptop
Here are some smart ways to protect yourself if your digital bank account stops working.
Illustration of calculator and stacks of cash
If you have $2,500 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
Woman texting on her smart phone and smiling
The smartphone in your hand can help you better manage your money.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc