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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.

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
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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
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The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
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Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
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Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
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Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
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Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
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