Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics

From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.

If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
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.
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.
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Bankrate Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Latest articles

Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.

Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.

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.

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.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.

Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.

You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.

Get ahead of your savings by raising your rate by an amount you prefer. Here’s how.

Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 16, 2025.

It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a main line of defense against unfair banking practices — has been dramatically scaled back under the Trump administration. In May 2025, Congress overturned [...]

Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.

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 [...]

Expect yields to continue trending downward in 2026.

You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.

These popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.

These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information







