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
![man signing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/09083803/what-is-a-check-routing-number.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
![Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/05/15183001/Deposits_How-to-cancel-a-check_4-important-steps.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
![woman shopping online with a credit card](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/06/05133805/What-are-reward-checking-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.
![close-up of a hand holding a cell phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/24123110/Deposits_How-to-use-Zelle-A-beginners-guide-to-digital-payments.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
![close up of hands writing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/20143133/5-ways-to-cash-a-check-without-a-bank-account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
![A woman uses mobile banking while eating.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/02/12170301/must-have-checking-account-features.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
![young woman working on finances on her laptop at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/06123319/Family-finance-from-balancing-a-checkbook-to-online-banking%E2%80%93how-financial-literacy-for-young-adults-has-evolved.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Balancing a checkbook may be passé, but managing your money well still matters.
![businesswoman using mobile phone leaning on railing](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/10165312/Second-chance-checking-account.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A second-chance account can help to restore your standing in the eyes of your bank.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
![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.
![People walking back and forth in front of Capital One Bank entrance.](https://www.bankrate.com/2017/10/20124405/best-big-banks-in-us-capital-one-bank-mst.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.
![Image showing a dumbbell wrapped with U.S. dollar bills](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/10103218/Banking-How-to-keep-your-New-Years-Resolution-from-breaking-your-budget.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If your New Year’s goal is to practice self-care, use these tips to stay on budget.
![image of calculator and christmas tree ornament](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/01/13154602/Deposits_Holiday-spending-hangover-How-to-get-back-on-track.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how you can start paying off that holiday debt and building up your savings.
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These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
![A couple budgets together.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/21103255/ways-to-save-on-tight-budget.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.
![Close up, two hands holding a one hundred dollar bill](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/08/25175100/Deposits_10-simple-ways-to-make-100-dollars-fast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money.
![woman working on laptop at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/10141633/How-to-open-a-bank-account-online.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s everything you need to know about opening a bank account online.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
![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.
![Piggy bank with cash overflowing](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/04/15130615/Banking_Best-bank-account-bonuses-for_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
![exterior of Bank of America branch building](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/04114341/Are-banks-open-today-Federal-bank-holidays-in-2022.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
![Woman watering plants.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/20194528/Current_CD_rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
![young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/04/25184426/Inflation-update-Whats-rising-and-whats-falling.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
![man working on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/07152504/How-to-avoid-a-CD-early-withdrawal-penalty.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
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