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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

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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

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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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.
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Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
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The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
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Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
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In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
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Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
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Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
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A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
In case of emergency, break emergency savings fund | Creative RF/Getty Images
1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
Young Man Sitting On Wheelchair Using Laptop
Opening a money market account involves just a few simple steps and it can really pay off.
In 2024, three Federal Reserve rate cuts spurred declining yields on many deposit accounts, although savers were able to benefit from locking in strong yields on certificates of deposit (CDs). While the [...]
A music CD underneath a piggy bank
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
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These popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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