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
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
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.
Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 10, 2025.
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 9, 2025.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
A joint bank account can make financial life easier for those sharing finances.
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
Most online banks are secure and pay better yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Bankrate’s list of all the failed banks in every U.S. state from 2009 to 2025.
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information