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Maximize your checking: Compare high-yield checking accounts, no-fee checking accounts and more.

Explore checking basics

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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.
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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.

Checking

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
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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
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Debit cards are inherently less secure than credit cards, especially at these spots.
Credit: Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate
That string of numbers at the bottom of your check is really important. Find out why.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
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Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
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Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
With all the talk around economic stimulus, here’s how it works and why it’s used.
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Fed officials care about more than just economic data.
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The most common impacts include layoffs, furloughs and a reduction in hours or pay.
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Would you really get paid to take out a loan?
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With the U.S. economy facing a sharp recession, rock-bottom rates are expected to continue.
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Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
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