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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Chief Financial Analyst
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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
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Senior Economic Analyst
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Latest articles
![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.
![A young woman works from her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/23135104/why-balance-your-checkbook.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
![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.
![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=1:1&width=356)
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
![Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/14094657/checking-account-fees-what-they-are-and-how-to-avoid-them.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
![Capital One Bank signage in New York City](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/05145443/banks-that-eliminated-overdraft-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
![Two female fashion designers working together at their studio](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/20154719/Looking-to-open-a-business-checking-account_-Heres-7-things-you-may-need-first.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
![A woman shopping during the holiday season.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/11/13173458/Christmas-Club-Accounts.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
![sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/09172537/Saving-money-for-your-grandchildren.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
![A Gen Z woman counting cash next to a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/17101611/Deposits_Gen-Z-Money-Mindset.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Navigating the world of personal finance is daunting, but it’s particularly so for Gen Zers.
![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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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![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.
![Young woman wearing white headphones using laptop and mobile phone for remote work](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/31172754/how-to-create-a-biweekly-budget.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A biweekly budget lets you allocate your expenses better than on a monthly basis.
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The average household earned $101,805 in 2023 before taxes and spent $77,280.
![Design element of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/17164643/Banking-December-FOMC-announcement-live-blog.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The Fed is expected to cut interest rates a third time. Here’s what to watch.
![A woman shopping during the holiday season.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/11/13173458/Christmas-Club-Accounts.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
![Piggy bank with cash overflowing](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/04/15130615/Banking_Best-bank-account-bonuses-for_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
![sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/09172537/Saving-money-for-your-grandchildren.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
![Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/28180236/Banking_5-ways-the-Fed-impacts-you.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
![Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/16144258/5-cds-to-consider-before-a-fed-rate-cut.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
![Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/12213220/Banking-December-FOMC-preview.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Fed officials are still widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time.
![Close-up of woman trading stock online on mobile phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/30190154/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-money-market-account1.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A money market account is like a parking spot for cash, but with a few guardrails.
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