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

Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.

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

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.

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.

Young male driver using smart phone while sitting in delivery van

These strategies will help you manage multiple income streams.

A teacher and children drawing the globe in chalk

These tips can help students maximize savings from their summer job earnings.

Young university student reading a book in the library

Graduating from college without the burden of student loan debt has significant benefits.

Bank of America is to pay $250 million for doubling fees and opening fake accounts.

Man trying on jacket while looking in the mirror in mens clothing shop

Avoid the pitfalls of lifestyle inflation with some better uses for extra income.

On-demand pay is convenient, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

Living paycheck to paycheck can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health.

Father carrying young daughter on shoulders on beach

A few smart money decisions could lead to that weekend trip you’ve been wanting.

With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.

Bankrate writer Karen Bennett and editor Marc Wojno pose in a selfie at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.

Banks are working to keep customers safe through AI apps and human interaction.

Slow shopping has been growing in popularity despite potential drawbacks.

Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.

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.

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.

Woman working with business document and laptop on the table

It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.

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