Skip to Main Content

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.
woman standing next to bike and looking at phone
close up of hands signing a check

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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

close up of hands writing a check
Pedestrians walking by TD Bank
person looking at computer while sitting on balcony
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Women using tablet
Person using credit card at laptop
Business man hand writing and signing white blank bank check book
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Someone typing on a laptop
man taking money out of a wallet
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Fresh produce
woman looking at her phone while walking outside
Woman writing in a planner
Person on laptop computer
Someone typing on a laptop
A young woman looks at her phone on a jetty
CFPB building sign at an angle
man taking money out of a wallet
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Fresh produce
Woman watering plants.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc