Skip to Main Content

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.
woman standing next to bike and looking at phone
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.

Arrow Right
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right

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

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Young couple paying bills online
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.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
Woman using an ATM
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Row of folded dollar bills with red gift bows
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be boring. Use this guide to personalize your monetary giving.
The Treasury building/
The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor’s life circumstances.
Mother and daughter looking at savings account info on a cellphone
The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
woman, using laptop while working from home
The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
A man works on his laptop.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
freelance worker in the cafe thinking about a new idea while doing remote work using his laptop
Maintaining good money habits can be the difference between achieving your financial goals and falling short.
Illustration of young person with their wallet
Recent Bankrate data shows that young people are the ones most optimistic about their finances.
It’s relatively easy to get a higher return on your money if you do your homework.
cash folded into a piggy bank shape
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Image of bonds and cash
Consider these important factors before investing in bonds and CDs.
Karen Bennett working on a laptop
Now is still a good time to consider CDs for your portfolio. Here are five reasons.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Aerial view of a group of residential boat docks from homes along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Florida near Daytona
Managing your finances and choosing the right bank can be daunting, especially in a state as big and diverse as Florida.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc