The main difference between checking and savings accounts is how you spend and save your money. Because checking accounts make your money more easily accessible – with checks, ATMs, debit cards, and online bill pay – you’ll typically use a checking account to pay for goods and services, like groceries, rent, concert tickets, and streaming services. Savings accounts generally earn interest compared to checking accounts; you should open a savings account to store money you don’t regularly need access to. Instead, the money can stay in the savings account to earn interest over time. Checking and savings accounts typically offer an added benefit over cash: They’re insured by the FDIC (or NCUA at credit unions) for up to $250,0000 for deposits help at FDIC-insured banks.