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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.
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

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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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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.
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.
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Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
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Take these simple steps to jumpstart your savings plan for a new car.
Senate building in Washington DC
Sweeping changes at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) signal what would be a significant shift in banking regulation under the Trump administration. While regulatory changes might sound like [...]
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Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Cheerful young student woman excited with good news
Adding more to your savings goals is easier than you think. Here’s how.
A Capital One bank branch in Manhattan in New York
The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.
Person working on a computer on an office couch and drinking tea
Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
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It’s possible to negotiate a higher-yielding savings account at your bank.
A long spiral staircase.
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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Learn why a bank could close your account and what to about it.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
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