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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
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

Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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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
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
comical illustration of money being injected via medial equipment
Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.
A man gets into a car.
Typically high-net-worth individuals have a net worth of at least $1 million.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
A woman holds a phone at an office
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right home for your emergency savings.
young adult woman cashier
Here’s how to find the part-time job for you and how much you can expect to make.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
woman holding a pen and signing paperwork in the living room at home
A bank reconciliation statement helps you track business finances and catch errors.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
A man researches online.
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
A young woman researches on her phone at a cafe.
Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Mother with baby paying bills online.
Budgeting is key to understanding where your household’s money is going.
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