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

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.
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.
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.
Woman on laptop
The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
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
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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.
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?
Man looks at his phone.
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?
toolbox and tools
These are the basic accounts you need to jump start your financial life.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers press conference
Will it be enough to keep the economic expansion going?
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
A rate cut seems like a given, but what’s next? 
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc