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.

woman 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.

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.

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.

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, CFA

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Senior Economic Analyst

Learn more

Latest articles

Woman accessing her checking account at home on a laptop

Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.

Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.

Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.

The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.

Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.

Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.

Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Easy mornings and working from home for this couple

Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.

Garage sale in grass on street curb with autumn trees background

Here are some places to look for a source of funds.

Here’s how to boost your savings.

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.

Young woman working from her kitchen island and drinking a hot beverage

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

Here are 11 creative ways to save money, regardless of your financial goals.

Close up, two hands holding a one hundred dollar bill

Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money.

Budgeting in college helps you live within your means no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Mature caucasian man in his 50s using laptop looking concerned, puzzled and confused.

Opening a bank account you may need to close soon? Don’t pay a fee for that.

Here’s how to use cash to help you stay within your budget each month.

You can spend less on reorders and still have the security features you need.

Smiling couple sitting on stairs in a loft sharing cell phone

Physical cash is becoming less relevant as money management goes digital, but it’s a good idea to have a reasonable amount of cash at home in case of emergencies. Here’s more information about how [...]