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.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
Most savers aren’t moving money despite 4 percent rates being available. This inertia could cost thousands in lost interest income.
Fed officials indicate that interest rates will remain steady at its next meeting.
Budgeting may be unpopular, but it’s important to know where your money is going.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Saving $1,000 need not be a daunting task. Here are 11 ways to do so.
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Breaking up with your old bank need not be a heartbreaking process. Here’s how.
With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
Businesses may now be starting to pass along higher costs from tariffs to consumers.
Learn how to earn the highest interest rates on a savings account.
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Bankrate’s list of all the failed banks in every U.S. state from 2009 to 2025.
If you have $10,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information