Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
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.
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.
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Bankrate Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
Finances can be complicated for those 40 and up. Here’s how to make your 40s fabulous.
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
Now that the U.S. Mint is done producing pennies, what happens to consumer prices?
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information