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

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.

Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop

Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.

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

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.

Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.

The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.

Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.

Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.

How to save on baby costs and avoid common financial mistakes made by new parents.

A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.

Learn some of the best strategies for saving for either your short- or long-term goals.

Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These six simple moves can help you 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.

Garage sale in grass on street curb with autumn trees background

Here are some places to look for a source of funds.

Here’s how to boost your savings.

These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.

These banks are good choices for nonprofits. Here’s how to find one that serves your organization well

CDs and MMAs can pay competitive rates, but they have different drawbacks and benefits.

Chime is a financial technology company offering checking and savings accounts through partnerships with FDIC-insured banks.

Young man choosing oranges in the supermarket

Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

Ghost of Halloween uses a laptop to surf the Internet

Don’t let the fear of saving leave you in the dark. Avoid these 10 savings mistakes.

Sixty percent of households feel behind on their emergency savings in 2023.

With a bit of planning, you can slash your grocery bill. Here’s how.

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