checking account

American  

noun

1. a bank deposit against which checks can be drawn by the depositor.

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checking account British  

noun

1. the US name for current account

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Etymology

Origin of checking account

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

Some banks will allow a 16-year-old to open a simple checking account on their own behalf, but rules vary.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

For Jessica Simon, the first signs that her marriage was in trouble showed up in the checking account she shared with her husband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

It could go into a checking account instead—there’s cash in those, too—but no net money “went into” the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Second, a Warsh Fed would need to neutralize swings in the government’s checking account at the Fed.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

I don’t have no checking account or bank account.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson

Related Words

• deposit
• savings account