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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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Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
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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 reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
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Bankrate Financial Analyst

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Young woman using the ATM
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
An older man researches online while having a glass of wine.
Now might be the time to dust off those paper bonds and cash them in. Here’s what you need to know.
Illustration of young person with their wallet
Recent Bankrate data shows that young people are the ones most optimistic about their finances.
Woman watering flowers
Online banks typically offer savings accounts with much higher yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
Whimsical illustration of a plant growing out of a jar full of coins
Even small contributions to savings can substantially add up — if you give it time.
Casual businesswoman making some notes while sitting at desk and working from home
As APYs hit 5 percent, now’s the time to consider higher yielding savings accounts.
Young professional having a casual conversation at work
Want to avoid common savings missteps? Find out what people do at every age that hurts their financial goals.
Bank of America building
Bank of America is to pay $250 million for doubling fees and opening fake accounts.
family playing board game
Here are the top old-school money ideas that can still help you save this year.
Bank building
Even the smallest of these big banks has enormously deep pockets.
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.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
loan manager with paperwork talking with client in bank branch
The most impressive banks make it easy to interact both on old and new channels.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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