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.
![woman standing next to bike and looking at phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/22140628/What-is-overdraft-protection.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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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Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
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There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
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There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
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There’s no need to pay for a checking account when many banks offer free checking.
![woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/09172341/Debit-card-spending-limits-heres-how-to-increase-yours.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
![Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/03162246/How-long-does-it-take-for-a-check-to-clear.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The amount of time can vary from check to check.
![woman doing headstand](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/25135424/Deposits_What_is_the_available_balance_in_your_bank_account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
![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.
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Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.
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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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