Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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.
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.
Experts in all things banking
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Bankrate Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
Here’s what you need to know about voiding a check, and the alternative options.
Here’s why early direct deposit may work better for those looking to get paid in advance.
There are various ways to earn rewards and maximize financial gains with a rewards checking account.
Here’s what separates a share draft account from a checking account.
Age and region are also factors in how much consumers pay in checking fees.
Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
Expect yields to continue trending downward in 2026.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
The U.S. may dodge a recession, but experts aren’t denying it: Something feels off.
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Opening a money market account involves just a few simple steps and it can really pay off.
In 2024, three Federal Reserve rate cuts spurred declining yields on many deposit accounts, although savers were able to benefit from locking in strong yields on certificates of deposit (CDs). While the [...]
Expect yields to continue trending downward in 2026.
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information