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.

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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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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.

If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.

Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.

We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.

Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.

Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.

Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.

APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.

A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.

Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.

JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.

These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.

You can now get your caffeine fix while you make a withdrawal at this new Chase location.

Here’s what to expect with the Fed now on hold.

The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision looks all but locked in.

When will the Fed move on rates again?

A new study makes a strong case for us to question the way we use financial apps.

Tech companies are flirting with the idea of offering checking accounts. Should you sign up?

These are the basic accounts you need to jump start your financial life.
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