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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.
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.

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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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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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Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
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Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
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Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $100,000, but these accounts are not for everyone.
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Not all checking accounts are created equal.
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As fees decline, brokers and robo-advisors are competing on feature-rich services to differentiate themselves.
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There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
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