Skip to Main Content

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.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
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
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

A woman uses mobile banking while eating.
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
Balancing a checkbook may be passé, but managing your money well still matters.
businesswoman using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance account can help to restore your standing in the eyes of your bank.
Person using phone to do mobile check deposit
Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
Writing on check
You can spend less on reorders and still have the security features you need.
Outside view of a bank with American flag
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
A check with VOID stamped across it
Here’s what you need to know about voiding a check, and the alternative options.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
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
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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.
A young, frightened female bank teller places a large wad of cash in a sack as she looks at a bank robber concealed in a red mask, pointing at her in his hoodie pocket.
Frightening as it is, your cash won’t disappear should your bank get hit.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
image of someone using an ATM with an illustrated blue background
ATM skimming is a type of payment card fraud. Here’s what you need to know to avoid it.
mother at bitcoin atm with toddler
Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s everything you need to know.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc