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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.
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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.

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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 reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate 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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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Here’s how to boost your savings.
Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Illustration of an old-fashioned physical bank branch and a mobile phone.
Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
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.
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Consumers got a taste of rate cuts last year, It could be a while before they see them again.
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Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.
Man smiling at his cell phone in a busy downtown area
You don’t need a big balance to qualify for a high-yield money market account.
man using an atm
ATMs are useful for depositing money, checking your balance, and more, but be aware of possible issues that may arise.
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Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.
A man researches on his phone.
Deciding between a CD and a savings account? Here’s what you need to know.
young woman working on her laptop
A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.
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It’s easy to open a savings account. Just make sure you have this information handy.
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