Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
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
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
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.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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.
A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
Some items are good candidates for storage in a safe deposit box, but others aren’t.
Don’t let these financial mistakes prevent you from reaching your financial goals.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt and build savings, you’re not alone.
Learn how the ‘soft saving’ trend could affect your savings and retirement.
This crafty form of budgeting helps you manage your cash without hoarding it.
Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
The most common sign of financial success is living comfortably, Americans say.
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Fed officials, however, are uncertain about how many times they’ll be able to cut borrowing costs in 2025.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information