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Checking

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.
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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

Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
A young woman is in the living room, she is using a laptop and credit card
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
A wealthy couple research their financial accounts.
How much is too much? Here’s everything you need to know.
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The study shows that the number of Americans with less emergency savings has ballooned since the crisis began.
Here’s what a proposed tax credit for travel could mean for you.
When it comes to handling a windfall, don’t rush it. You’re going to want to make a financial plan.
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Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.
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Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
A woman looking at Ally Bank's new savings tools.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
Family planting trees in a park.
Green banking is an environmental movement. There are a number of ways consumers can make adjustments to their banking to help the environment.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Man using his tablet for online banking
Financial markets may drop lower, but APYs on high-yield savings remain high.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
Looking for a stable way to pay off your debts with money left to save? Read on.
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If you have over $25,000 in your savings account, consider these strategies.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Two women having takeout food at home
Knowing how fixed and variable expenses differ can help you improve your finances.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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