Checking
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.
![close up of hands signing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/08161719/How-to-write-a-check.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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.
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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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Chief Financial Analyst
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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
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Senior Economic Analyst
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Latest articles
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Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
![Cash in gloved hand](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/12/03124142/Deposits_6_ways_to_deposit_cash_into_someone_elses_account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
![Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/11171556/Reg.E..jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
![Person reading credit card statement](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/29181714/Deposits_What_is_an_overdraft_fee_and_how_can_you_avoid_it.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
![Woman standing in front of an ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/21093308/Deposits-Annual-Checking-Account-and-ATM-Fee.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
![Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/29134643/Banking-Checking-Account-Survey.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
![Woman using an ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/08121053/Deposits_10_types_of_checking_accounts_SEO_Article.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
![Side view of man jogging in city](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/16155031/6-tips-to-set-and-hit-your-savings-goals.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
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Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
![Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Here’s how to boost your savings.
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New Bankrate data shows the economy is making it harder for Americans to save.
![Elderly woman connected to the internet at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/08095431/how-to-protect-savings-high-inflation.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.
![man sitting on the couch at home working on his laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/27101323/4-tips-for-managing-multiple-bank-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.
![Side view of man jogging in city](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/16155031/6-tips-to-set-and-hit-your-savings-goals.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
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These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
![Happy woman reacting to news from her laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06174250/GettyImages-1306153899.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
![Smiling young woman with smartphone walking on the street](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/01164957/Zelle-limits-at-top-banks.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking to use Zelle for a transfer?Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
![A person takes a picture of a check.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/29111505/facts-everyone-should-know-about-mobile-deposit.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
![Man smiling at his cell phone in a busy downtown area](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06175357/GettyImages-1461116301.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You don’t need a big balance to qualify for a high-yield money market account.
![man using an ATM machine](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28153824/Banks-that-reimburse-ATM-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
ATM fees can be nuisance that add up. Here are eight banks that don’t reimburse them.
![Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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