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

Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel
Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Person using credit card at laptop
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Woman using a banking app on her phone
Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.
A woman holds a phone at an office
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
Person writing on a piece of paper
Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
A magnifying glass on top of a $100, magnifying Benjamin Franklin's face, and surrounded by other $100 bills.
As the Fed holds interest rates steady, savers still have time to lock in top rates.
Several rolls of dollar bills
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of Aug 8, 2025.
A smartphone being held in a person's had displays the words "Payment Failed" surrounded with a red background with an 'X' above.
Save more by zapping unwanted expenses with a ‘cancel everything’ mindset.
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 person putting a coin into a piggy bank, which is on top of coins
Best high-yield savings rates today
If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
young woman on ipad with illustrations in the background
Understanding what determines CD rates can help you decide whether to get one.
woman carrying suitcase, walking by the window at airport terminal
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to the financial aspect of your trip.
Man Working At Computer And Talking To Clients On Phone
These popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.
Excited Latin American couple looking at a letter.
Added benefits of banking with Citibank
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Image of person on laptop from above
Online banks come with incentives that you may not know about, and might make one the best choice for your needs.
A young woman works on her laptop.
Here’s what to know about the checking and savings account alternative.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc