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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.
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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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
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Chief Financial Analyst

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Business owner talking on phone.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Person using an ATM
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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.
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
mom in graduation gown holding daughter
Learn some of the best strategies for saving for either your short- or long-term goals.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
man working on his laptop outdoors
No matter your age, these tips can help you improve your financial situation.
Image of a pair of open scissors with a U.S. dollar bill lying between the blades ready to be cut.
Amid today’s high cost of living, some are making temporary cuts to “fun” spending.
A family sits together at a kitchen table.
Transfer funds to friends and family without leaving the house.
Image of a 100 dollar bill (US) attached to a pink stethoscope.
New Bankrate data shows money is the No. 1 factor negatively impacting mental health.
A father multi-tasks with his young son.
Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
couple sitting together on the couch and working on laptop and phone
Digital banking makes it easy to access your personal finances from anywhere.
Young woman using a smart phone at home
Here’s how you can open a checking account online, in three steps.
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