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Checking

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.

Checking

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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Cheerful young student woman excited with good news
Adding more to your savings goals is easier than you think. Here’s how.
A Capital One bank branch in Manhattan in New York
The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.
Person working on a computer on an office couch and drinking tea
Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
Bank teller with customer
It’s possible to negotiate a higher-yielding savings account at your bank.
Teller at brick-and-mortar bank
Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
BIPOC woman meeting with female financial advisor
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
couple at pharmacy
These are the key differences between an FSA and an HSA, and how to choose the right one for you.
Person working at table with computer, drinking coffee and looking at smartphone
Learn why you need to check your APY.
Young woman using a smart phone at home
Here’s how you can open a checking account online, in three steps.
Young business woman working at the office on a laptop
Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
A portly white male wearing sunglasses is relaxing on his hammock outside, smiling in the sun holding a debit card in one hand and a smart phone in the other.
Customer satisfaction is up at banks and credit unions, but fees are still an issue.
Wells Fargo branch
Looking for a nearby Wells Fargo location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
A Truist Financial bank branch in Miami, Florida, US
Looking for a nearby Truist Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
PNC Bank building
PNC Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Here’s how to find one near you.
Young woman using an ATM
Here’s how to find the nearest ATM in MoneyPass’s fee-free ATM network.
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Looking for a nearby Chase Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
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