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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

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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

close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
person 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.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
Woman voting in a face mask at the polls
In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
A water faucet leaks a drop of water
Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
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Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
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Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
Dad and son doing dishes in kitchen | Hero Images/Getty Images
A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
In case of emergency, break emergency savings fund | Creative RF/Getty Images
1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
Couple sitting in sofa using tablet computer © iStock
Finances can be complicated for those 40 and up. Here’s how to make your 40s fabulous.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
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.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Women checking amount in bank account passbook with bank statement
Here are a few different ways to see how much money you have in your bank account.
lots of coins and cash in a pile
Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
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