Skip to Main Content

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.
person 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.
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
President Trump with a frown on his face
The term “Trumpcession” has been popping up in headlines this week, as economists and market watchers debate whether President Trump’s economic policies could trigger a downturn. But are we actually [...]
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
Young mother with toddler
High-yield savings accounts remain a strong option for savers…for now.
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
Young business woman working at the office on a laptop
Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
Conceptual image of several $100 bills arranged as wallpaper with a red necktie suggesting Donald Trump.
Bankrate recaps the week in savings accounts and analyzes where rates are headed.
A woman uses her Radius Bank mobile app.
In a historic first for fintechs, what benefits should customers look forward to?
President Donald Trump shakes the hand of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell
The chief executive’s claims weren’t wholly correct — even if they ended up being right.
A woman looking at Ally Bank's new savings tools.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
A picture of the Citi building in Los Angeles
Does Citi’s new robo-adviser offering make sense for your investments?
What will get the Fed off the sidelines?
Man looking at bar graph amid Federal Reserve Eccles Building
The Fed will stay on the sidelines for an extended period, experts predict.
A logo of the Federal Reserve
How long will the Fed be on the sidelines?
Jerome Powell walking through the Federal Reserve
With the Fed likely holding steady on rates for now, short-term CDs still look like a good option.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc