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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

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
A man works on his laptop.
Several banks are offering high-yield savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
Image of a large money bag in a shopping cart in front of a red downward pointing arrow.
More than half of Americans also say the U.S. economy is on the wrong track.
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.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
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The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
A photo of the author of the article near a computer and book
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
woman working on a laptop
CDs can be a useful tool to save, but make sure to shop around for the right kind and bank for you.
lots of coins and cash in a pile
Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
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Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
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Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
Women checking amount in bank account passbook with bank statement
Here are a few different ways to see how much money you have in your bank account.
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Several banks continue to offer savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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