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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.

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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

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money.
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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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Banks and banking technology are in a constant state of evolution. Whether you’re opening a high-yield savings account at a bank because it offers a yield that’s outpacing inflation, or joining a bank [...]
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There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
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Money market accounts share the same FDIC protections as savings accounts and CDs.
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