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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.
person 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.

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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

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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Bank of America at Times Square
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
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.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
Person using laptop computer at home
Split direct deposit is a simple way to painlessly boost your savings.
Money next to flashing sirens
Over 1 in 3 people tapped emergency savings in the past year, per a new Bankrate survey.
A student withdraws cash at an ATM.
There are ways to access your money and ultimately spend it. Here’s how.
Older couple on a couch, smiling, looking at a laptop
Verizon and Openbank announced a partnership on Tuesday that gives Verizon customers a way to save money on their bill if they have an Openbank High Yield Savings account. Verizon customers can save money [...]
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
Family on vacaction
Many Americans are ready for a vacation. Here’s how much you’ll spend to get away.
woman, using laptop while working from home
Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
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