Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
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.
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.
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
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, [...]
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead. Here’s how.
Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty consumer reporting agency.
Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
Here’s how to boost your savings.
Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.
A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.
It’s easy to open a savings account. Just make sure you have this information handy.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
Here are 11 creative ways to save money, regardless of your financial goals.
A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Tariffs risk fueling more inflation — and weighing on economic growth.
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Here’s what you need to know about how money orders work.
There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know [...]
As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their [...]
Some knowledge and planning can help you avoid paying fees for out-of-network ATMs.
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, [...]
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information