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

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.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Electronic checks (eChecks) offer a digital alternative to traditional paper checks, allowing you to make payments directly from your checking account online. Learn how eChecks work, when to use them, [...]
man signing a check
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Young smiling woman using mobile phone while working on a laptop at a cafe
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
Design element of cargo containers with nation flags on them
Trump has made tariffs an economic priority — experts share how you may be affected.
US Bank app
These features are designed to save you time and money.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc