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.

Cashier and customer wear face masks at a store during the pandemic

More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.

Holiday shoppers gather in Macy's for holiday shopping during the coronavirus pandemic.

Experts say it’s time to prepare now for an expensive gift-buying season.

The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.

The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.

The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.

Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.

Close up of Treasury Department stimulus check

Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks

Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.

An attractive African American female creates content with a video camera in a bright office.

Learn how deinfluencers help you save money by promoting mindful spending habits.

A father multi-tasks with his young son.

Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.

exterior of Bank of America branch building

Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

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.

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.

Young Asian woman using smartphone while relaxing on armchair, checking her bank account via online banking and managing her finances. Online personal banking. Wealth management. Digital banking habits. Smart banking with technology

Here’s how to determine what a good interest rate is on your deposit accounts.

Here’s a convenient way for Apple device users to transfer money between friends and family.

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