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

Man folds his hands in front of his face

Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.

If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.

There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.

Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.

Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.

That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.

Woman putting a check in an envelope that says cancel

Follow these steps to stop a check in its tracks.

woman shopping online with a credit card

If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.

Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.

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.

Woman working with business document and laptop on the table

It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.

female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances

Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.

Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen

These simple moves can help 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.

The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.

Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.

With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.

Bankrate writer Karen Bennett and editor Marc Wojno pose in a selfie at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.

Banks are working to keep customers safe through AI apps and human interaction.

Slow shopping has been growing in popularity despite potential drawbacks.

Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.

It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information

Checking

Explore checking basics

Get started with a checking account

Types of checking accounts

Experts in all things banking

Compare top-rated banks

Review our top banks of 2024

Latest articles