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

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

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.

Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.

Capital One Bank signage in New York City

Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.

Two female fashion designers working together at their studio

Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.

Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.

Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.

Close up of someone hands holding and counting American dollar banknotes in her hand

Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps [...]

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

Look for gigs, deals and other ways to earn money simply by browsing on your phone.

Here are scenarios for when each choice – paying down debt or saving – makes more sense.

Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.

Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her

Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.

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

Ghost of Halloween uses a laptop to surf the Internet

Don’t let the fear of saving leave you in the dark. Avoid these 10 savings mistakes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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