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)
![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)
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Get started with a checking account
Available balance vs. current balance
Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.
Checking account fees
Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.
![Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/2400x1260/46e2074a28/banking.png)
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![Greg McBride](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/e82ff353b1/br-expert-greg.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Chief Financial Analyst
![Sarah Foster](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/7fb8678166/br-expert-sarah.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
![Mark Hamrick](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x296/4056ed19a3/br-expert-mark.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Economic Analyst
Compare top-rated banks
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SoFi Bank
SoFi Bank offers a competitive yield, but customers will need to open both a checking and savings account to bank with SoFi.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers multiple checking account options with all the features of modern banking through their mobile app.
Chase Bank
Chase has the largest branch presence in the U.S., so customers won’t find it difficult to find fee-free ATM access.
First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank maintains branches in 23 states and offers a free checking account as well as two that pay interest.
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