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 depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
A young woman is in the living room, she is using a laptop and credit card
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
Here’s what you need to know about this high-yield checking promo.
The IRS has more than $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds for 2021
Get your tax refund faster and more securely by setting up direct deposit. Learn how to avoid common mistakes.
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.
woman doing headstand
Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
BIPOC woman meeting with female financial advisor
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
couple at pharmacy
These are the key differences between an FSA and an HSA, and how to choose the right one for you.
Person working at table with computer, drinking coffee and looking at smartphone
Learn why you need to check your APY.
Close up of female accountant or banker making calculations
Take control of your money and build a six-figure financial foundation. Here’s how.
person looking at computer screen in home
Start saving today with these saving accounts with no minimum deposit required.
A woman works on her laptop.
Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
woman at ATM
Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Coworkers discussing a project
Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
Two professionals discussing a money order
Completing a money order requires just a few simple steps. Here’s how.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc