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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

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

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.
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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.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Young person writing on a notepad
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
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Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Pair of friends shoe shopping
Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.
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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
A student withdraws cash at an ATM.
There are ways to access your money and ultimately spend it. Here’s how.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
Someone holding a jar full of coins. The jar says savings on it.
ADHD can affect your ability to manage money — here are tips that work for me.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
man taking money out of a wallet
If you’re struggling to save money right now, you’re not alone. Here’s how a few easy changes can help.
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Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.
A couple budgets together.
Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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