Skip to Main Content

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.
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
close up of hands signing a check
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.
Young couple paying bills online
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Shoppers checking out at Costco
Nearly 3 in 10 adults would be at a loss if they suddenly needed to cover a costly expense.
Americans crossing the street in the rain
Many Americans are adding nothing to their savings. These are the biggest reasons.
Men crossing finish line
Life is short! Accomplishing these goals will help you live a better life.
Father and mother leaving house with baby in stroller
Interest rates are on the rise. Follow these tips to find a savings account that can keep up.
Dad and son doing dishes in kitchen | Hero Images/Getty Images
A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
In case of emergency, break emergency savings fund | Creative RF/Getty Images
1 in 4 Americans has no savings, our survey finds. Here’s how stashed cash can help.
Coworkers having a conversation | Westend61/Getty Images
Impatience with income has led to a wavering sense of financial security in the U.S.
Man giving piggyback ride to his girlfriend | Jeffbergen/E+/Getty Images
20% of Americans don’t have any savings, but millennials buck the trend.
Thanksgiving shopping
With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.
Bankrate writer Karen Bennett and editor Marc Wojno pose in a selfie at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.
Banks are working to keep customers safe through AI apps and human interaction.
Turtle with shopping bag
Slow shopping has been growing in popularity despite potential drawbacks.
Older gentleman using a laptop
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
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.
A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc