Personal Checking Information for Smart Financial Decisions

Looking for a bank experience that's unique to you? Learn the basics about what a checking account is, the benefits of having one, and how Huntington can help you find the right account for you. Our checking accounts include digital tools that can help you manage and budget your finances, track spending and financial goals, and much more.

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A man walking through a city looks at his smartphone to check the Huntington mobile banking app.
Are Online & Mobile Banking Safe?

If you’re new to mobile and online banking, you may have concerns about safety. Learn more about the benefits and different ways you can help keep your money protected.

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A woman sitting at a computer uses her smartphone for identity theft protection.
What Is Identity Theft Protection?

Curious how you can help protect yourself and your family from identity theft? We have some tips and information on how you can help protect your identity.

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a customer hands over a debit card to a cashier
What is a Debit Card?

A debit card is a payment card connected to a checking account, and you can use it to make both online and in-person purchases, where cards are accepted.

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a couple looks at their checking account on a laptop
Checking Account Benefits

We’ve highlighted six benefits that a checking account can provide to help you better manage your money today, tomorrow, and into the future.

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a customer hands a debit card to a barista at a coffee shop
Checking Account vs Debit Card

While checking accounts and debit cards are often presented by banks as a package deal, it’s important to understand the difference.

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a young woman enters her credit card information into her smartphone
Cashing a Money Order

Huntington explains where you can cash a money order, how to do it, and what you need to do it. Learn about money orders and other banking basics with us.

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someone fills out a cashier's check
Getting a Cashier’s Check Without A Checking Account

Huntington explains how you can get a cashier’s check without a bank account.

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a young woman researches how to get a money order
What is a Money Order?

A money order is a paper document, similar to a check, used as a form of payment. Typically, it’s purchased by prepaying the amount printed on the face of the money order with cash or another form of guaranteed funds.

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a young woman reads her bank statement
What is a Bank Statement?

A bank statement is a document from the bank that covers a specific time period, usually a month, that shows all the activity on your account for a time period.

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two friends research what is needed to open a bank account
What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

When opening a bank account, typically documentation and proof of identity are needed to get the application and review process started.

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a man researches how to set up direct deposit on his laptop and smartphone
How To Set Up Direct Deposit

Setting up direct deposit allows you to decide which accounts you want your money to go into. For example, you can put half into savings and half into checking. By enrolling in Huntington Direct Deposit, you get immediate access to your funds with your debit card as soon as your direct deposit is received.

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someone holds open their checkbook while writing a check
How to Write a Check

Filling out a check for the first time or for the first time in a while? You might have questions, such as where to sign a check and how to write a check with cents. Check out our quick how-to.

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a couple uses a ledger to manually balance their checkbook
How to Sign a Check Over to Someone

You have a check payable to you, but you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to deposit the check, or you don’t want to cash it yourself. Now what? Follow these steps on the process.

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someone finds his bank's routing number on his smartphone and laptop
How to Find Your Bank Routing Number

Have you ever wondered how and where you can find your routing number? We detail four ways, include with or without a check, to find your routing number.

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a woman cashes a check without a bank account at an atm
Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Have a paper check to cash, but don't have a bank account? No worries, you can still cash a check without a bank account and you can do this by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store.

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a signature on the back of a check
How to Endorse a Check

When someone pays you with a check, typically you have to sign the back of it before you can deposit it in your account. Signing the back of it is called “endorsing the check.” We have tips on how to safely endorse a check.

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a young woman looks at the expiration date on a check
Do Checks Expire?

Most checks are good for six months. However, the details can get tricky. Exactly how long a check is good for varies depending upon the check, and we can help you understand why.

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a voided check
How to Void a Check for Direct Deposit

Never hand someone a blank check. They can fill it out and withdraw money from your bank account. Treat checks like cash. This is why employers ask for a voided check to set up direct deposit.

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a couple looks up how to read a check on a tablet
How to Read a Check

If you know how to write a check, you’re probably familiar with how to read a check that you’ve received. But what about when you're trying to find information about your own checking account?

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a young man looks at his account balance on his smartphone
How to Check My Account Balance

Knowing your account balance is valuable. It can help you avoid Overdraft Fees and Monthly Maintenance Fees. With online bank statements, as well as online and mobile banking, it’s simple to stay in the know.

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a young couple consults with a financial advisor about their bank accounts
How Many Bank Accounts Might I Need?

The number of bank accounts you might need may depend on where you are in life and your financial goals at the time.

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a man helps a woman find her checking account number by using a tablet
Find Your Checking Account Number Without A Check

If you don’t have a check book or any current checks on hand, you can feel relieved knowing there are multiple ways you can locate your account number without needing a check to find it.

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How to Endorse a Check

When someone pays you with a check, typically you have to sign the back of it before you can deposit it into your account. Signing the back of it is called “endorsing the check.” We have tips on how you can safely endorse a check.

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How to Activate a Debit Card

You just received your new Huntington debit card but before you can start using it, you need to activate it. There are a few different ways you can do this – online, on the phone, or in-person at any Huntington branch. After your debit card activation is complete, you can make purchases, pay bills, and withdraw cash or make deposits at ATMs.

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How to Get A Custom Debit Card

We have a wide range of custom debit cards that are made just for you! From animals to your favorite sports team, choose a design for your personalized debit card and add a little fun to your wallet.

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How to Order Checks & Checkbooks

Checks are a valuable and secure way to make transactions. Even in our digital world, checks are still used to make rent or mortgage payments, pay bills or service providers, or give money to friends and family.

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How to Open a Checking Account

Opening a checking account is easier than ever, especially if you decide to apply online – it just takes a few clicks! If you prefer to open your account in person, stop by any Huntington branch to meet with a banker.

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How to Find Your Debit Card Number

When you swipe your debit card, you may not pay attention to what the numbers on your card mean. But knowing how to quickly find your debit card number, Card Verification Value (CVV) code, and the expiration date is essential for online purchases and using your debit card over the phone.

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Lost or Stolen Debit Card

We know it can be unsettling to open your wallet and realize your debit card is no longer there. Whether your debit card was stolen or accidentally misplaced, we’ll help you get through it.

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How to Transfer Money to Your Account

Managing your money means being able to manage it the way you want, how you want, and where you want. Online transfers are a simple, reliable way to securely get your money to the desired account.

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Overdraft Fees Explained

We want you to avoid overdraft fees. Having a clearer understanding of overdrafts is a good place to start.

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How to Switch Banks

It can be daunting to close a bank account. But if you follow a few easy steps, switching banks can be simple and straightforward. Get started on a great new relationship with Huntington.

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How To Apply For A Debit Card Online

With a Huntington debit card, you can make everyday purchases almost anywhere. Use your debit card to shop local, buy online, and pay monthly bills. You don’t even need a checkbook or ATM. All you need is one little card that’s fast, easy, and safe.

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How To Deposit Cash or A Check

If you've received a check, you probably want to cash or deposit it as soon as possible. Huntington understands. We want depositing a check to be quick and convenient.

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How To Use A Debit Card

Debit cards make any type of purchase quick and easy. In today’s digital world, debit cards are accepted at the majority of retailers making it extremely convenient for customers. You can use your debit card in stores, online, and at ATMs.

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What is a Joint Bank Account?

You may want more than one individual on your checking account. Whether it's a significant other, family member, or friend, you can add a person to your account at any time, or open a joint checking account together.

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What is a Postdated Check?

Postdating a check is done by writing a check for a future date instead of the actual date the check was written.

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What is a Cashier's Check?

A cashier’s check is a check that is issued and guaranteed by a bank. Here’s a look at why you might want to use a cashier’s check and how to get one the next time someone requests it.

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Difference Between Debit & Credit Cards

Debit and credit cards are both used to pay for goods or services without paying in cash or writing a check. The difference between the two is where the money to pay for the purchase comes from.

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How To Cancel A Check

Whether a check you’ve written was lost or stolen, or there’s another reason you don’t want a check cashed, it’s important to know how to cancel the check quickly before any funds are withdrawn by the person you wrote the check to.

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Cashier's Check vs Money Order

A cashier’s check and a money order are both forms of payment that can be used instead of cash or personal checks, but that’s where the comparisons stop.

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What is a Certified Check?

A certified check is a personal check that the payer’s bank has certified to be legitimate and has earmarked the funds for the check. It’s a type of “official” payment. People often confuse certified checks with cashier’s checks. So, what’s the difference?

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How to Personalize Your Checks

Who says your checks need to be boring? Huntington offers several check designs that allow you to choose a personalized look and feel for your checks.

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Difference Between Checking & Savings

If you're unsure about whether to open a checking or a savings account, we can help. Both accounts are better ways to store your money and allow you regular access to the money you have deposited.

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What is an Outstanding Check?

The definition of an outstanding check is a check that has been written, but it hasn’t been cashed-deposited by the bank, or otherwise cleared the bank. An outstanding check can be a personal or a business check.

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How to Fill Out a Money Order

Money orders are a great alternative to personal checks, but some people rarely use them and aren’t familiar with how to complete them. Huntington can help. Here’s how.

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Open a Huntington Checking Account

Checking accounts are financial accounts, where you can deposit, manage, or withdraw your money as needed. You can have your paycheck deposited directly into your account, deposit a check through an ATM or your mobile device, and make purchases from your account with a debit card.

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Apply for a Huntington Student Checking Account

Before heading off to college, consider opening a joint checking account with a parent or legal guardian, so they can easily transfer funds into your account if you accidentally underestimate the costs of books or parking fees. Students of all ages–minors, teens and adults–can open a checking account at Huntington.

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