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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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
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Capital One Bank signage in New York City
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Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Women using tablet
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
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Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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young woman looking away sitting on bed in the room
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exterior of Bank of America branch building
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Here’s how young adults can live within their means while saving for the future.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
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