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.

woman 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.

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.

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 writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.

About Bankrate's team

Greg McBride, CFA

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Senior Economic Analyst

Learn more

Latest articles

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.

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

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.

Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.

Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.

Woman studying a document and working on a laptop

Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.

Business colleagues having a conversation

These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.

Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.

Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.

Easy mornings and working from home for this couple

Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.

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.

Close up of someone hands holding and counting American dollar banknotes in her hand

Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps [...]

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

Look for gigs, deals and other ways to earn money simply by browsing on your phone.

These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.

Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.

These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.

Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.

Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.

Young couple managing finance and investment online

There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.

Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office

Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.

Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously

If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information

Checking

Explore checking basics

Get started with a checking account

Types of checking accounts

Experts in all things banking

Compare top-rated banks

Review our top banks of 2024

Latest articles