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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.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

Get started with a checking account

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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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Available balance vs. current balance

Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

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Checking account fees

Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.

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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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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.

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.

The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.

Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference

Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.

Tune in to Bankrate’s live coverage of the Fed’s first rate cut since 2020.

Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision

This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.

The Fed looks poised to leave rates alone in July but signal cuts are coming soon.

A man being raised into the air by party balloons. And a line graph chart superimposed overtop. Trending upwards

Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.

Design element of woman sitting at desk in front of laptop.

Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.

Panorama of aerial view of Downtown Houston, Texas, USA

As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.

Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.

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Explore checking basics

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Types of checking accounts

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