All let you withdraw money from your account by writing checks. Some accounts pay interest. A regular checking account lets you write checks to make payments. Depending on the account, you may be able to write an unlimited number of checks without a charge, or you may be charged a fee each time you write a check. Money may not earn interest in a regular checking account.
Many institutions offer free accounts for senior citizens.
Interest checking accounts pay interest and let you write as many checks as you want. Usually you must keep a minimum balance in your account. If you do not, you will pay fees and may lose some interest. Banks and savings and loan associations sometimes call these NOW accounts. They have restrictions, but cost less than other accounts.