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

Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.

Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.

Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.

Gay couple looking up finances on computer

Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.

A person uses Trim to try to improve his financial health.

These tools can help you get bank fees refunded and prevent the next ding.

A middle aged adult woman happily balancing her checkbook

Here’s what separates a share draft account from a checking account.

Mother and daughter smiling at smartphone

Let’s explore why you might want a checking account you can’t write checks from.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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.

Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.

We list three accounts to park your savings this summer as you wait to buy a house.

Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.

The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.

Subscriptions are easy to lose track of, but these apps can help restore order.

measuring the waistline of cash bills, comical

A spending diet can help you pursue your financial goals and save cash. Here’s how.

People walk by a Western Union location in New York.

Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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

Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.

Certificates of deposit offer peace of mind, but they’re not without some drawbacks.

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

Our list consists of FDIC-insured banks offering product suites ideal for startups.

Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.

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