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
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.
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.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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.
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.
The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.
The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Fed officials, however, are uncertain about how many times they’ll be able to cut borrowing costs in 2025.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
There’s still time to lock in a high-yielding CD as the Fed cuts rates.
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information