Checking
Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.
Explore checking basics
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Get started with a checking account
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.
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.
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
Learn more
- Introduction to Checking Accounts
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Not all checking accounts are created equal.
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Latest articles
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead. Here’s how.
Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty consumer reporting agency.
A bounced check is something that should be avoided. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.
Services such as Zelle and Venmo make splitting a bill or sending money a breeze.
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Adding more to your savings goals is easier than you think. Here’s how.
The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
It’s possible to negotiate a higher-yielding savings account at your bank.
Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
When policymakers and investors seek economic insight, they often use a tool called the yield curve. A yield curve measures the spread between yields on short- and long-term maturity bonds over time. It’s [...]
The bottom line? Don’t let emotions guide your financial decision-making.
Adding more to your savings goals is easier than you think. Here’s how.
The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information