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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

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
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Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
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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.
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Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
family financial planning
Here’s how to boost your savings.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
man pumping gas into his car
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.
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All CDs have one thing in common: They’re among the safest places to park your cash.
A doctor's visit.
Everything savers need to know about HSAs.
President Biden Delivers Remarks On Hidden Junk Fees
The CFPB is proposing a rule to cut overdraft fees, but there are ways to save now.
couple sitting together on the couch and working on laptop and phone
Digital banking has been steadily on the rise, making it easy to access your accounts and manage your personal finances from anywhere.
woman at ATM
Our picks provide customers with almost everything they need to bank in the branch, at home or on the road.
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Inflation slowed much faster than expected last year, but economists are still wary.
For three straight surveys, economists have upgraded their job market forecasts.
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