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.
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.
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
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

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

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
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.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Woman standing in front of an ATM
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Hand touching buttons on a ATM keypad
Convenient access to your cash often comes at a price — and sometimes it’s a very high one.
Woman using an ATM
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Young person writing on a notepad
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
female military member with bank worker
Let’s explore some of the best banks catering to military members and their families.
Jerome Powell juxtaposed against an illustrated artistic background
Experts are doubting the Fed’s September projections that showed one more rate hike.
Close up of a woman counting money
Most Americans regret not having enough savings. The solution: Pay yourself first.
Young person on smart phone
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
Woman walking up to an ATM
Some knowledge and planning can help you avoid paying fees for out-of-network ATMs.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a post-meeting press conference following the Fed's September interest rate decision
Fed officials stopped short of saying they’re finished raising interest rates.
Man in home office online banking
These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.
nonprofit workers sorting donations
These banks are good choices for nonprofits. Here’s how to find one that serves your organization well
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc