A checking account is a secure account at a financial institution to store your money, where you can deposit or withdraw money as needed. In the past, you would visit a bank branch to deposit a physical paycheck or withdraw cash from your account. Purchases could be made using a paper check that drew money from your account. While you can still do all of these things, you have many more options now. You can deposit or withdraw money at an ATM, have your paycheck deposited directly into your account, deposit a check through your mobile device, and make purchases with a debit card. Learn more about the difference between checking and savings accounts.