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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.

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.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
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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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Emergency savings depleted? Here’s how to start replenishing it.
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There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know [...]
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As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their [...]
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Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.
After facing a rent increase, I’m moving to Washington, D.C. to save $24,000 over two years.
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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.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
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Bank consolidation often leads to lower deposit rates. Here’s what the current merger boom means for your savings and how to respond.
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The right savings strategy could put that family vacation within reach.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
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Here’s what other banks have to offer that you might be missing out on at yours.
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