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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
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
This old-school way of paying is still in demand. Here’s everything you need to know.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Writing on check
Compare prices on paper checks before you place your next order.
person on phone by computer looking at piece of paper
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Follow these tips to shop smarter for school supplies.
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Saving money as a high school student isn’t always easy, but there are means of doing so.
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More U.S. adults have seen household savings decline than rise in the past year.
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Challenger banks are embracing cash in a bid to better serve their customers.
man sitting on the couch and looking at his phone
The online-only bank’s savings rate tops many competitors.
woman with hearing aid talking on the phone
Many challenges still exist but advances have made earning and saving money easier.
Illustration depicting a child and strollers and money
Home equity sharing agreements, like the ones offered by Unlock, are one way to manage growing family expenses.
adult with down syndrome using a computer
Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Person filling out money order
Here’s what you need to know about how money orders work.
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.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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Losing a cashier’s check is much different than losing a personal check.
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Knowing your financial needs and goals can help you choose where to keep your money.
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