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.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/02/12170301/must-have-checking-account-features.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
![woman standing next to bike and looking at phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/22140628/What-is-overdraft-protection.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/08161719/How-to-write-a-check.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
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](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/2400x1260/46e2074a28/banking.png)
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.
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](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/e82ff353b1/br-expert-greg.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Chief Financial Analyst
![Sarah Foster](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/7fb8678166/br-expert-sarah.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
![Mark Hamrick](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/4056ed19a3/br-expert-mark.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
![Bankrate's image file](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/2400x1260/9cf5526e9a/br-awards-hub.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Latest articles
![Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/28200222/Where-is-the-account-number-on-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
![A young woman works from her laptop.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/23135104/why-balance-your-checkbook.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![close up of hands signing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/08161719/How-to-write-a-check.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
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.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/14094657/checking-account-fees-what-they-are-and-how-to-avoid-them.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
![Capital One Bank signage in New York City](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/05145443/banks-that-eliminated-overdraft-fees.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
![Two female fashion designers working together at their studio](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/20154719/Looking-to-open-a-business-checking-account_-Heres-7-things-you-may-need-first.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
![Young couple paying bills online](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2022/06/03125555/Deposits-Online-Bill-Pay-What-is-it-and-why-its-a-good-idea.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
![Calendar of 2023](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/12/06115424/Untitled-71.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
![Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/05/31124754/Deposits-Average-money-market-account-interest-rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
![Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/05141131/What-is-the-average-interest-rate-for-savings-accounts_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
![Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/09/17165921/here-s-why-savers-should-find-an-apy-that-surpasses-the-rate-of-inflation.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
![Easy mornings and working from home for this couple](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/01165442/GettyImages-1405181556.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
![Garage sale in grass on street curb with autumn trees background](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/07/07200159/Legitimate-ways-to-find-fast-cash.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
![Woman writing in a planner](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/18130331/Ways-to-save-more-money-this-year.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Make 2024 the year you take your savings to the next level.
![A woman shopping during the holiday season.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/11/13173458/Christmas-Club-Accounts.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
![FDIC building in Washington DC](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/04/25165250/Robinhood-files-with-the-FDIC.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The free stock trading outfit had previously walked back deposit product plans.
![Federel Reserve building](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/04/10093817/fed-minutes-april-10-2019.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Federal Reserve officials are giving themselves room to be flexible with monetary policy.
![Woman using a calculator](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/26153045/Why-bank-accounts-are-pitching-you-on-improving-your-financial-health.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Challenged by fintech startups, banks are pushing new services to customers.
![Jerome Powell Fed FOMC Decision Day](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/02/14152612/Jerome-Powell-FOMC-Decision-Day.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The Fed voted to leave interest rates alone for the second-straight meeting.
![Bank teller with customer](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/18142523/How-bank-tellers-quietly-disappeared-from-America.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Branch banking is rapidly changing with the rise of automation and fintech.
![Americans crossing the street in the rain](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/13154129/Survey-1-in-5-working-Americans-arent-saving-anything-at-all.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many Americans are adding nothing to their savings. These are the biggest reasons.
![Wells Fargo ATM cars](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/13120130/Despite-controversry-and-bad-publicity-deposits-at-Wells-Fargo.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Consumers aren’t so quick to turn away from the big bank.
![Jerome Powell at Fed meeting](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/08132048/Jerome-Powell-Fed.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank is in no rush to adjust rates.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information