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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.
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.

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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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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

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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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
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A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
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United States Treasury savings bonds.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 16, 2025.
Santa Barbara beach with palm trees and city skyline at sunset, California, USA
California is a large state, and so is your list of banking options in the Golden State. Truth is, there’s no one “best” bank — the best option is the one that fits your specific needs. But we’ve [...]
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
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Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
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close up of hands signing a check
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