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 reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Bankrate 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.
Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Online bill pay can add convenience and security to managing your routine bills.
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Here’s how these two bank fees compare and how to best avoid them.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Here’s how to boost your savings.
Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Capital One Bank will no longer charge overdraft fees starting in early 2022.
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
The appointment gives Powell the chance to finish the U.S. central bank’s pandemic response.
A game of hiring musical chairs is afoot — and it doesn’t look like it’ll be stopping anytime soon.
Here’s why this challenger bank sees a need and an opportunity to win over a demographic that the financial system has ignored.
The Fed’s decision is a vote of confidence about the economy.
The Fed’s massive bond-buying program has about run its course. Here’s how a taper works.
The president will have to weigh his party’s priorities with his desire for continuity.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information