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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.

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

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Women using tablet
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Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
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Woman using an ATM
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
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Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
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man working on his laptop outdoors
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President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation about his plans to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill proposal comes during the pandemic’s biggest inflection point yet.
A line of people waits on food handouts in the sun
Those hit financially by the pandemic saw average monthly charges for their checking account of $11.41.
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There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but the economic hardship won’t be over anytime soon.
Hosue Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill
The deal comes just days before key CARES Act programs are set to expire.
Portrait of young couple in front of home
The new year calls for a new look at your old savings account.
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Even with the economy staging a recovery, many Americans are earning less than before the pandemic.
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