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Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.

Explore checking basics

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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.
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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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
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Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
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No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
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Someone watering a plant that grows cash
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Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
Close up of woman's hand typing on computer keyboard in the dark against colourful bokeh in background, working late on laptop at home
A new CFPB rule will make it easier for people to transfer their data between banks.
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Ghost of Halloween uses a laptop to surf the Internet
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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