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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.
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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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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

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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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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Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
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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.
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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 [...]
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Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
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Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
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Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
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Step-up CDs can help you potentially earn a higher rate of return later on.
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Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
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Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
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Paying medical expenses with pre-tax dollars is smart, but budgeting is key.
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Let’s look at several online banks and credit unions that let you deposit cash.
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Top APYs on high-yield savings are above 4%, despite a recent U.S. credit downgrade.
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