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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.
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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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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Compare prices on paper checks before you place your next order.
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Budgeting may be unpopular, but it’s important to know where your money is going.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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Saving $1,000 need not be a daunting task. Here are 11 ways to do so.
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The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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Bank consolidation often leads to lower deposit rates. Here’s what the current merger boom means for your savings and how to respond.
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The right savings strategy could put that family vacation within reach.
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Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
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Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
Women checking amount in bank account passbook with bank statement
Here are a few different ways to see how much money you have in your bank account.
Daughter and father using mobile phone
Several banks continue to offer savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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