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.
person 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 Icon
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 Icon

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

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
An older couple reviews a bill.
Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
person 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.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman with hearing aid talking on the phone
Many challenges still exist but advances have made earning and saving money easier.
adult with down syndrome using a computer
Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.
Couple talking while standing on cliff by sea during sunny day
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
Man using a tablet for banking
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
Couple works on bills
U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.
Two young brothers bake cookies together.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.
Cashier and customer wear face masks at a store during the pandemic
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
Watering the plants
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
stacks of coin with dollar bill
A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
Women checking amount in bank account passbook with bank statement
Here are a few different ways to see how much money you have in your bank account.
lots of coins and cash in a pile
Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc