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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 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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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.
Bank of America at Times Square
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
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 [...]
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Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Illustrated by Bankrate
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
Illustrated by Bankrate
Paying medical expenses with pre-tax dollars is smart, but budgeting is key.
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Top APYs on high-yield savings are above 4%, despite a recent U.S. credit downgrade.
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Savings bonds are safe and easy to buy, but you can earn higher interest income elsewhere.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
When will the Fed move on rates again?
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A new study makes a strong case for us to question the way we use financial apps.
Google's corporate campus.
Tech companies are flirting with the idea of offering checking accounts. Should you sign up?
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These are the basic accounts you need to jump start your financial life.
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Will it be enough to keep the economic expansion going?
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