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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

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

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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

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Writing on check
Compare prices on paper checks before you place your next order.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference about the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill.
All federal coronavirus unemployment programs are set to be extended through Sept. 6.
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Billions of dollars worth of wrongful unemployment payments have been paid out during the pandemic.
A woman lounges on the beach.
Here’s how these funds can help you achieve your goals.
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Legislators will soon get to work on drawing up the next round of coronavirus relief.
Student works in college library
Taking a close look at your tax status will be especially vital if you’re still in school.
Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden stands beside him.
Carefully managing your finances will be crucial, even if more aid is around the corner.
President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation about his plans to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill proposal comes during the pandemic’s biggest inflection point yet.
Hosue Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill
The deal comes just days before key CARES Act programs are set to expire.
Design element with Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
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Consider these four factors when choosing the right high-yield savings account.
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Here’s everything you need to know about opening a bank account online.
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These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.
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