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 writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.
About Bankrate's team
Chief 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
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
There’s a right way to handle old checks. The wrong way can cost you.
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 10, 2025.
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 9, 2025.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 8, 2025.
Powell faced criticism from Democratic congressmen for his positive evaluation of the job market despite a period of slow pay gains.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a positive assessment of the U.S. economy that nonetheless faces some risks.
Experts are betting that a recession will occur by the end of 2021, a new survey suggests.
Will the Federal Reserve raise borrowing costs two times in 2019, as it initially anticipated? That’s a question even the officials on the inside can’t answer.
It could save you time when switching accounts and even inspire you to build a bank of your own.
Are bank mistakes giving you a headache? Here’s what to do.
Learn all about Jerome Powell, who is presiding over his first FOMC policy meeting.
A new Bankrate survey also finds 1 in 4 Americans is open to buying a home in 2017.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information