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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Senior Economic Analyst
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Latest articles
![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.
![Pedestrians walking by TD Bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/04/12150226/how-many-bank-accounts-do-you-need.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
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Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
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Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![Person using credit card at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/16120246/GettyImages-1215383987.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
![Business man hand writing and signing white blank bank check book](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/05181348/how-to-endorse-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
![Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/28200222/Where-is-the-account-number-on-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
![Someone typing on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/07/31152619/Deposits-How-to-make-a-budget-using-ChatGPT.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
This conversational AI tool can add up your spending and offer advice on how to save.
![man taking money out of a wallet](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/19110052/ways-to-save-extra-100-dollars.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to save an extra $100 monthly with simple changes.
![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.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
![woman looking at her phone while walking outside](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/04180137/High-yield-or-not-these-4-mobile-bank-apps-try-to-get-you-in-the-habit-of-savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.
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Looking to save more? Here are proven strategies to grow your savings this year.
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![young man talking on the phone at home while using a computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/25105620/What-to-do-if-your-bank-mergers-or-is-acquired.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If your bank or credit union is involved in a merger, here’s what to expect.
![Person at ATM](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/10/07111446/Ways-banks-may-penalize-you-how-to-avoid-those-pesky-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Steer clear of these common bank fees to keep your accounts from taking a hit.
![Someone typing on a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/07/31152619/Deposits-How-to-make-a-budget-using-ChatGPT.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
This conversational AI tool can add up your spending and offer advice on how to save.
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As fees decline, brokers and robo-advisors are competing on feature-rich services to differentiate themselves.
![CFPB building sign at an angle](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/22142129/People-are-annoyed-by-their-credit-card-rewards-a-new-CFPB-report-shows.-Here-are-common-pain-points-and-how-to-prevent-them.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The Trump’s administration has ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to cease operations.
![man taking money out of a wallet](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/19110052/ways-to-save-extra-100-dollars.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to save an extra $100 monthly with simple changes.
![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.
![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.
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