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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.
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.

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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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Let’s explore why you might want a checking account you can’t write checks from.
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Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
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Learn about common checking terms, from bounced checks to outstanding checks.
Apples and oranges
Opening a checking account is easy. Finding the right one is the hard part.
Knowing how to read your bank account statement can nip problems in the bud. Here’s our guide.
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We have a few suggestions on how to help your teenager learn personal finance and what you can teach them.
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Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
senior woman looking at paperwork in front of a computer
Age and region are also factors in how much consumers pay in checking fees.
man taking money out of a wallet
If you’re struggling to save money right now, you’re not alone. Here’s how a few easy changes can help.
A man uses the Qapital app to save money.
Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.
A couple budgets together.
Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.
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.
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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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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.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
man taking money out of a wallet
If you’re struggling to save money right now, you’re not alone. Here’s how a few easy changes can help.
A man uses the Qapital app to save money.
Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.
A couple budgets together.
Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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