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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.

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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

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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.

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Available balance vs. current balance

Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

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Checking account fees

Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.

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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.

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

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Capital One Bank signage in New York City

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A photo of a check from the Treasury Department

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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.

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

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

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information

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