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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.
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.

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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

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop
Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Two female fashion designers working together at their studio
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
Closeup of cash in a hand
Savings bonds are safe and easy to buy, but you can earn higher interest income elsewhere.
A young man imagining a piggy bank made out of cash. Looks slightly like origami
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Woman studying a document and working on a laptop
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
couple in the kitchen with bills
Here’s everything you need to know about brokered CDs.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
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Exchanging currency can be costly. Here are the most affordable ways to do it.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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