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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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
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The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
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Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
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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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Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
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The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
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Savings APYs remain high as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady.
female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances
Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
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It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
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A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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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.
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