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.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/02/12170301/must-have-checking-account-features.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
![woman standing next to bike and looking at phone](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/22140628/What-is-overdraft-protection.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/08161719/How-to-write-a-check.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
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.
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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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Latest articles
![close up of hands writing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/20143133/5-ways-to-cash-a-check-without-a-bank-account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
![Pedestrians walking by TD Bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/04/12150226/how-many-bank-accounts-do-you-need.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
![person looking at computer while sitting on balcony](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/04143046/Looking-computer.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
![Male friends walk on a college campus.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/11173927/Best-student-checking-accounts.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
![Women using tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/19152145/online-checking.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
![Person using credit card at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/16120246/GettyImages-1215383987.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
![Business man hand writing and signing white blank bank check book](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/05181348/how-to-endorse-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
We list seven ways to endorse a check and how to process it correctly and securely.
![Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/28200222/Where-is-the-account-number-on-a-check.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
![woman looking at her phone while walking outside](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/04180137/High-yield-or-not-these-4-mobile-bank-apps-try-to-get-you-in-the-habit-of-savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.
![Woman writing in a planner](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/18130331/Ways-to-save-more-money-this-year.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking to save more? Here are proven strategies to grow your savings this year.
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/29134122/7-best-ways-to-insure-excess-deposits.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
![A mid adult woman sits at the counter in her kitchen and uses a laptop computer for online banking while managing her personal finances.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/02115041/Choosing-small-vs-big-insurance-companies.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Don’t wait for the next Fed meeting to see where rates go before opening a deposit account.
![image of lawnmower and cash](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/24103407/20-ways-to-make-money-Online-and-offline-ideas.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
![piggybank on a riser](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/22175345/Deposits-Best-business-savings-accounts.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
![A man uses the Qapital app to save money.](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/08/05133423/5-apps-that-help-save-you-money.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.
![Piggy bank with cash overflowing](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/04/15130615/Banking_Best-bank-account-bonuses-for_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
![close up of hands writing a check](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/20143133/5-ways-to-cash-a-check-without-a-bank-account.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
![woman looking at her phone while walking outside](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/04180137/High-yield-or-not-these-4-mobile-bank-apps-try-to-get-you-in-the-habit-of-savings.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.
![Woman talking on the phone with bank](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/05/09133301/5-Wats-to-protect-your-wealth.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
These expert tips can help keep your bank and financial accounts safe from hackers.
![Woman writing in a planner](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/18130331/Ways-to-save-more-money-this-year.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Looking to save more? Here are proven strategies to grow your savings this year.
![Person on laptop computer](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/15155838/Everything-savers-need-to-know-about-APY.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
![Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/03/29134122/7-best-ways-to-insure-excess-deposits.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.
![man making order from the digital menu on smartphone in restaurant](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/29170020/early-payday-apps.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bills are due but payday is days off? These options can help you stretch your funds.
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