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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.
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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
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.

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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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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

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
close up of hands signing a check
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.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Older gentleman using a laptop
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.
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.
female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances
Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
man signing a check
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Man using laptop in kitchen
Consider these four factors when choosing the right high-yield savings account.
Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
Young woman pays for purchases in online store using banking service
Bank account bonuses are a great way to bring in new customers. Here’s how.
Row of folded dollar bills with red gift bows
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be boring. Use this guide to personalize your monetary giving.
The Treasury building/
The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor’s life circumstances.
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Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty to take advantage of a better deal isn’t a bad idea.
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