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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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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 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.
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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.
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Nearly 3 in 10 adults would be at a loss if they suddenly needed to cover a costly expense.
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Many Americans are adding nothing to their savings. These are the biggest reasons.
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Life is short! Accomplishing these goals will help you live a better life.
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Interest rates are on the rise. Follow these tips to find a savings account that can keep up.
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A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
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1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
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Impatience with income has led to a wavering sense of financial security in the U.S.
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20% of Americans don’t have any savings, but millennials buck the trend.
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Percent symbol with people holding money that is many dollar bills. Concepts of the banking system, rising interest rates, inflation, deflation, and savings.
How to proceed when your CD matures during falling rates.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.
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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
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Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps [...]
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
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