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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
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Chief Financial Analyst

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Young person writing on a notepad
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Pair of friends shoe shopping
Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.
A young, frightened female bank teller places a large wad of cash in a sack as she looks at a bank robber concealed in a red mask, pointing at her in his hoodie pocket.
Frightening as it is, your cash won’t disappear should your bank get hit.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
image of someone using an ATM with an illustrated blue background
ATM skimming is a type of payment card fraud. Here’s what you need to know to avoid it.
mother at bitcoin atm with toddler
Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s everything you need to know.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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