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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.

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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

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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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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
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Mobile banking apps aren’t just trendy, they can help you better manage your money.
person signing a check
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead, here’s how.
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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
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Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
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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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A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
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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.
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Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
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Short answer? Yes. 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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