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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.

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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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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

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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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Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
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
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
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Opening a business checking account isn’t as simple as opening a personal checking account. Here’s what to know.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
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In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.
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Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
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Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
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These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.
A woman shopping during the holiday season.
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
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Nearly 3 in 10 adults would be at a loss if they suddenly needed to cover a costly expense.
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These certificates of deposit (CDs) have no minimum deposit.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Deinfluencing is all the rage. Why not influence your finances, too?
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Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.
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Here’s how to save money on groceries, utilities and other everyday purchases.
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