Skip to Main Content

Checking

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.
woman standing next to bike and looking at phone
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.

Arrow Right Icon
Checking

Available balance vs. current balance

Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

Checking

Checking account fees

Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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
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.
An affectionate young mother smiling at her husband while carrying their baby at home
Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Elderly woman connected to the internet at home
Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.
Young Gymnast Doing Handstand on Balance Beam
Some junior sports leagues mean thousands in annual costs. Here’s what to do.
Woman painting watercolor
Being successful as a freelancer requires strong money management skills — these tips can help.
A girl of mixed race visits the nurse and has a check up on her broken arm.
A medical emergency fund can help you or a family member if health insurance doesn’t cover everything.
A father and daughter go back-to-school shopping.
Follow these tips to shop smarter for school supplies.
Unrecognizable teenage students in high school campus
Saving money as a high school student isn’t always easy, but there are means of doing so.
man reaching into wallet and pulling out cash
More U.S. adults have seen household savings decline than rise in the past year.
Jerome Powell speaking. A now hiring banner in the background.
Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.
A woman reading the label on a food item while out shopping for groceries in her local supermarket.
Here’s how to save money on groceries, utilities and other everyday purchases.
young woman looking away sitting on bed in the room
Financial anxiety – what is it and how to reduce money stress
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Comical image of a lady up to her eyes in a pile of cash
Find out who is affected most by financial stress by statistic and how to cope.
Businessman grabs the head concept with business chart on scoreboard
Manage money anxiety in a low rate environment with these savings strategies.
Piggy bank
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.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc