Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
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
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
Budgeting on an irregular income is challenging, but it’s possible. Here’s how to do it.
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
Five winners won $10,000 each in Bankrate’s first Drop Your Debt Sweepstakes.
U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
Experts say it’s time to prepare now for an expensive gift-buying season.
Most online banks are secure and pay better yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Here’s everything you need to know about opening a bank account online.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information