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Explore checking basics

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5 must-have features for checking accounts

From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
By Karen Bennett
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What is overdraft protection?

If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
By Karen Bennett
5 min read
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How to write a check: A step-by-step guide

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
By René Bennett
5 min read

Get started with a checking account

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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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Available balance vs. current balance

Learn about the two separate balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

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Checking account fees

Learn about the different kinds of checking account fees and what you can do to avoid them.

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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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  • Introduction to Checking Accounts

What is a checking account?

Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Person using an ATM

13 types of checking accounts

Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
person looking at computer while sitting on balcony

Comparing checking accounts: 7 top features to look for

Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.

Checking account fees: What they are and how to avoid them

Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
close up of hands signing a check

How to write a check: A step-by-step guide

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
woman depositing a check on her phone

How to deposit a check

There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Asian woman using laptop next to her dog, sitting at dining table at home. Work life balance. Living with a pet. Online shopping at home.

What is direct deposit? Here’s how it works

Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
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Best Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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8 ways to avoid monthly checking fees

Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
Oct 27, 2025
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How long does it take for a check to clear?

The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
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Best banks for early direct deposit in 2025

Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
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Available balance vs. current balance: What’s the difference?

Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
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How to find a lost savings bond

Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
Oct 01, 2025
United States Treasury savings bonds.

What to do with a savings bond from your childhood

You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
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How the Federal Reserve impacts savings account interest rates

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 16, 2025.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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What banking deregulation could mean for your money: 4 key changes to watch for

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a main line of defense against unfair banking practices — has been dramatically scaled back under the Trump administration. In May 2025, Congress overturned [...]
Sep 15, 2025
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Best savings accounts for new college grads

Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
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Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Fed makes a second interest rate cut. Here’s what will — and won’t — change for your money.

Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
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Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present

Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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8 ways to avoid monthly checking fees

Tired of paying fees? Here are seven ideas to get around paying them.
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6 key ways the Federal Reserve impacts your money

Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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Bump-up CDs: What they are and how they work

If you think rates may rise again soon, a bump-up CD could be what you’re looking for.
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