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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.
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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

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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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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Writing on check
Compare prices on paper checks before you place your next order.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Person holding baby looking at person sitting on couch
Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
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The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
A photo of the author of the article near a computer and book
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
Woman sitting in a chair with her laptop open on her lap. She is holding a mug in her right hand.
Most savers aren’t moving money despite 4 percent rates being available. This inertia could cost thousands in lost interest income.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
Fed officials indicate that interest rates will remain steady at its next meeting.
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.
Will the new voting members be hawkish or dovish on rates?
Competition for your cash is intense, it pays to shop around when looking for a new bank.
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These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.
Joe Coffee
You can now get your caffeine fix while you make a withdrawal at this new Chase location.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at Fed's press conference.
Here’s what to expect with the Fed now on hold.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision looks all but locked in.
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