Skip to Main Content

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.
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
person standing next to bike and looking at phone
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Bank account alerts to protect your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Person using credit card at laptop
Here’s what you need to know about interest checking accounts.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
Male friends walk on a college campus.
Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
A wide-angle image of the front of the Federal Reserve HQ in Washington, DC. The U.S. flag is prominently displayed on the front of the building.
Despite political pressure, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates.
Fresh produce
With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
Person paying bills on laptop
Learn how to earn the highest interest rates on a savings account.
Younger man in his 30s paying bills on his computer, with calculator, papers, bills, coffee and a pair of glasses on the table by his side.
Tariff concerns will likely cause the Fed to hold rates steady at its July meeting.
Woman studying a document and working on a laptop
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
woman looking at her phone while walking outside
Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
Mother and daughter looking at savings account info on a cellphone
The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Capital One vs Chase text
Considering banking with either Chase or Capital One? Here’s how the two compare.
A person researches on a laptop.
Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
A young man researches in the library.
CDs hold your funds for a set period. In exchange, you get a reliable return.
Woman using a cellphone near an ATM
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Here’s how they compare to a bank.
A woman holds a phone at an office
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
woman holding a child and working online at home
Being able to open a checking and savings account can help build financial security.
Taxes on CD interest aren’t always clear-cut. Here’s what you need to know.
A joint bank account can make financial life easier for those sharing finances.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc