Best Checking Accounts
Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 40+Sources used
- 20Companies vetted
- 3Features reviewed
- 10Top
Picks
- Online banking has lower fees and higher interest rates
- Some banks have a minimum balance and withdrawal limits
- Choose a bank that offers ATM or service fee refunds
- Test the website to determine its user-friendliness
How we analyzed the best Checking Accounts
Our list of the best Checking Accounts
- Additional Companies:
- Discover®️ Cashback Debit Account
- Bank of America
- Barclays Bank Savings Account
- Discover™ Online Savings Account
- Sofi Checking and Savings
- CIT Bank
- SoFi High Yield Savings
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings
- Upgrade Checking Account
- UFB Freedom Checking + Savings
- chime-sponsorship
- Capital One
- Chase Bank
- Ally Bank
- U.S. Bank
- Bank of Internet
- Wells Fargo
- Alliant Credit Union
- Citibank Priority Account
- Bank5 Connect
- PNC Virtual Wallet Pro
- EverBank
- USAA Checking Accounts
- Charles Schwab
- nbkc Everything Account
- Simple
- BBVA Free Checking
- Axos Bank
- Huntington Personal Checking
- PenFed
- BBVA Premium Checking
- Lending Club
- Varo
- M&T Bank
- Acorns
- Level
- Wealthfront
- BMO Bank
- PNC Virtual Wallet Student
- PNC Virtual Wallet®
- Lili
- Current
- Quontic
- Empower Finance
ConsumersAdvocate.org Sorting Criteria Rationale:
The companies listed above are ranked based on BBB rating, followed by their ATM access in ascending order. Please note that not all available offers or companies are included in this list.
- SoFi Checking and Savings: A+ BBB Rating and 55,000 fee-free ATMs available.
- Discover Checking Account: A+ BBB Rating and 60,000 fee-free ATMs available.
- CIT Bank: A+ BBB Rating and No ATMs available.
- Chime Online Checking Account: C+ BBB Rating and 50,000 fee-free ATMs available.
Discover’s Disclaimers:
¹ Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations and terms.
² Early Pay is automatically available to checking, savings (excluding IRA savings) and money market customers who receive qualifying ACH direct deposits. At Discover’s discretion, and dependent on the timing of receipt of the direct deposit instructions, Discover may make funds from these qualifying direct deposits available to you up to 2 days early. See their Deposit Account Agreement for more information.
³ Balance+ is a no-fee overdraft coverage that applies to your debit card transactions. It is not available to cover checks, ATM/Cash withdrawals, or other electronic payments, such as Zelle®. Repayment is due immediately. Balance+ is provided at our discretion, and we may decline to cover any debit card transaction, for example, if we suspect the transaction is fraudulent. Please review the agreement as other terms and conditions apply.
SoFi's Disclaimers:
¹ APY Disclosures: SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
² Up to $300 Bonus Tiered Disclosure: New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus when they set up Direct Deposit of at least $1,000 during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period. Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/24. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.20% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
³ 9x based on FDIC monthly interest savings rate as of October 21, 2024.
⁴ SoFi has partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at their discretion at any time. SoFi's account fee policy is subject to change at any time.
⁵ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
⁶ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s
regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks.
CIT Bank's Disclaimers:
¹ APY Disclosures: The Annual Percentage Yields (APY) and interest rates are effective as of September 25, 2024. Fees may reduce earnings. Checking APYs and interest rates are variable and may change at any time without prior notice, including after account opening. The minimum opening deposit for eChecking is $100. See Fee Schedule and Agreement for Personal Accounts for details. To obtain the interest rate and APY disclosed, the minimum balance for the applicable balance tier must be maintained.
² Must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle. Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle.
Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
The Apple Pay logo and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. The Samsung Pay logo and Samsung are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Chime’s Disclaimers:
² Early Payday/Get Paid Up to Two Days Early Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. Chime generally makes these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
³ Get fee-free transactions at any Moneypass® ATM in a 7-Eleven location and at any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance® ATM. Otherwise, out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply.
* Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade.
Our Top Picks: Checking Accounts Reviews
Account Overview:
Chime offers fee-free online banking with features like early direct deposit and automatic savings transfers. You can also sign up for Chime's high-yield savings account with a 2.00% APY.*
Fees:
No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and fee-free overdraft up to $200 for eligible members.
Perks & Benefits:
Chime offers SpotMe®, allowing eligible users to overdraft up to $200 with no fees³ if they receive qualifying direct deposits. Enjoy instant transaction alerts, automatic savings, and quick money transfers to friends. Set up direct deposit to receive your paycheck up to 2 days early⁶, and access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs at locations like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and CVS. You can also deposit cash fee-free at Walgreens® locations*—available at over 8,000 stores nationwide, more than any other U.S. bank. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
Account Overview:
CIT Bank’s eChecking account is tailored for everyday banking needs, offering an interest rate of 0.25% APY¹ on balances over $25,000 and 0.10% APY on lower balances. It is designed for those who prefer online and mobile banking.
Fees:
Opening a CIT Bank eChecking account is free, though a $100 minimum deposit is required. There is no ongoing minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fees. Additionally, there are no fees for online transfers or incoming wire transfers. CIT Bank also reimburses up to $30 per month for non-network ATM fees, making cash access more convenient. While overdraft protection is offered, applicable fees may apply.
Perks & Benefits:
Features include mobile check deposits, unlimited withdrawals, online bill pay, and transfers via Zelle®, Bill Pay, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.² The eChecking account combines interest-earning potential, minimal fees, and digital banking tools, making it a practical choice for those seeking straightforward, cost-effective checking options.
Account Overview:
Discover’s Cashback Debit account offers a 1% cashback reward on up to $3,000 in monthly debit card purchases¹, making it ideal for everyday spending.
Fees:
There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no fees for domestic ATMs.
Perks & Benefits:
Setting up direct deposit with this account lets you access your paycheck up to two days early², offering added convenience. You'll also benefit from strong fraud protection, ensuring your funds stay secure. The account integrates seamlessly with popular digital wallets like Google Pay™, Apple Pay®, and Samsung Pay™, allowing you to earn rewards on qualifying purchases. Enjoy access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to deposit cash at any Walmart in the U.S. without incurring fees. Plus, the account supports sending and receiving money via Zelle® and includes fee-free overdraft protection.³
Account Overview:
SoFi's Checking and Savings account offers a competitive interest rate of up to 4.20% APY¹, 10x the national average rate.³
Fees:
No monthly account fees⁴, no minimum balance requirements, and no-fee overdraft coverage.⁵
Perks & Benefits:
SoFi provides access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and features a robust mobile app with tools for budgeting and spending. Additionally, SoFi offers 2-day early-paycheck⁶ when you set up direct deposit, and provides up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks.⁷
Account Overview:
Opening a Freedom Checking account with a Portfolio Savings account offers up to 4.51% APY.** Combining these accounts can increase your savings APY by up to 0.20%.** Additionally, the Freedom Checking account provides 2.00% APY.* (Checking rates 25x the national average.†) UFB Direct also features fewer fees and faster transaction processing.
Fees:
UFB Direct offers no monthly maintenance fees and requires no minimum deposit to open an account, making it an easy and cost-effective banking option for new customers.
Perks & Benefits:
Customers enjoy fee-free online and mobile banking services, such as mobile deposits, transfers, and bill pay. Move money instantly between your Portfolio Savings and Freedom Checking accounts. Account is FDIC insured up to the maximum allowance limit. Access to over 90,000 fee-free ATMs.
Account Overview: Upgrade’s Rewards Checking Plus account offers 2% cashback¹² on everyday debit purchases such as gas, groceries, and utilities when using the Upgrade debit card. You could also add a Performance Savings account when you open your checking account to earn up to 5.21% APY.¹³
Fees: There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no fees for domestic ATM usage.
Perks & Benefits: Upgrade’s checking account offers up to 2 days early access to your paycheck with direct deposit*, 10%-20% lower interest rates on new Upgrade loans and cards, and up to 2% cashback on everyday expenses and subscriptions.¹² Make instant transfers between Upgrade checking and savings accounts, and earn up to 10% cash back on debit card purchases at over 10,000 select stores¹⁴ in Upgrade's app. The account also provides access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and integrates with Google Pay™ and Apple Pay®.
Cash Management Accounts
An Online Banking and Cash Management Alternative
The traditional way of thinking about banking is to have separate checking, savings, and investment accounts -- your bank handles the first two, and your brokerage firm would deal with the third. But some financial institutions are offering a new product that combines some features of all three: the cash management account. While it's technically a brokerage account, it's designed to enable consumers to handle their cash and make payments, all while earning interest. Offering a consolidated view from which to manage all your cash movements, these FDIC-insured accounts usually include a debit card, checkbook, and online bay pill services, just like a regular checking account. As an added bonus, though, you can also buy and sell shares. By eliminating the need to transfer funds between accounts, cash management accounts not only save time but also give users a clear, one-stop view of their money. Indeed, many consumers use them to bundle multiple investment accounts, thereby streamlining their finances and facilitating the implementation of financial strategies. While these accounts do pay interest, these are oftentimes a bit lower than those you can get with an online bank, though still higher than with a brick-and-mortar institution.
Many of the biggest players in Fintech have begun offering cash management accounts, such as SoFi Money, PNC, Chime, and Betterment. All four offer very reasonable minimum deposits of less than $25, and only PNC has a minimum account balance ($500).
What should I look for in a cash management account?
There are some basics you should make sure are included in your account:
- free debit card
- ATM access
- unlimited check writing
- easy access, either online or via app
Some firms go above and beyond the basics mentioned above to offer add-ons such as ATM rebates (mostly limited to specific networks in the US, though some do offer these worldwide), mobile deposits, account activity alerts, and links to external banks. This last feature is particularly useful since it means you can do even more to manage your money efficiently -- by depositing excess cash in an account with a higher APY, for instance.
What to keep in mind-
While cash management accounts have monthly fees, many have very low ones or eliminate them altogether, so make sure to read the fine print carefully. Since all these accounts are different, there may also be a minimum balance or deposit, or other requirements that can vary between providers. Additionally, keeping money in these accounts may mean limiting your higher-yield investments.
More insight into our methodology
Account Features
Banks have a wide variety of checking accounts available that can help you manage your money; the trick is finding the one that truly meets your financial needs while charging the lowest fees. These fees and features can vary widely so it's important to know what each account can give you (and charge you) before committing to one.
First, it's useful to know the types of checking accounts that are available, which include basic, free, interest-bearing, joint, and accounts for seniors or students. Basic checking accounts allow consumers to pay bills and own a debit card for transactions. Customers have a limited number of checks per cycle, and usually need a qualifying direct deposit transaction or consistent minimum balance in order to avoid maintenance fees. This type of account seldom earns interest. An interest-bearing checking account, on the other hand, typically pays interest once a month, but does assess a monthly maintenance fee and has a minimum balance requirement as well.
Free checking accounts are the most popular option available, and for good reason. Customers who select a free checking account will have no monthly maintenance fee and won't have to worry about keeping a particular minimum balance. Another option is a joint account, with two or more people who share expenses. These can be basic, free, or interest-bearing; it depends on the bank. This type of account is used mostly by couples and families. Finally, senior and student accounts are designed for people who meet the age requirement established by the institution (student accounts are typically for college-age customers). The perks vary by bank and can include free checks, discounts, and better rates on other products offered by the financial institution.
Fees & Restrictions
One of the most important aspects of choosing a checking account is knowing exactly the kind of fees that will be assessed and why.
The most commonly incurred fee is the maintenance fee. Unless they provide a free checking account, most banks will charge an either monthly or yearly maintenance fee. In most cases, this fee is charged if the account holder does not maintain a particular minimum balance in the account and/or does not sign up for direct deposit with the bank. Many online banks and credit unions are now offering accounts that do not charge this fee, however, even when the bank account has a very low balance.
There are other fees that apply even to free checking accounts however. One of them, the overdraft fee, is one that can affect your account in significant ways. First, it's essential to know your bank's policy on overdraft fees as some banks charge exorbitant fees for each overdraft - even if posted in the same day - which can lead many customers to face steep deficits in their accounts that are harder to recover from. If overdrafts are a worry, it's important to look for banks with a lower overdraft fee and a low maximum number of transactions per day that will incur a fee.
There are, of course, a number of other transactions that can also be charged by a bank, such as wire transfers, replacement cards, and obtaining additional checks, among others. It's important to assess your banking habits and see what is truly a deal-breaker when it comes to fees.
Support, Reputation, & Financials
One surefire way to understand how a financial institution works is by reading customer reviews. Potential customers can learn about bank practices and perks, as well as how current customers feel about the attention and care they receive at their bank. Agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) give customers an outlet to comment about a business, whether or not they are accredited by the organization. The BBB comments include positive, neutral, and negative reviews, and any complaints a company receives. The agency also reports on how quickly customer complaints on their website are handled and resolved.
With all the tools available today, it's easier than ever for customers looking to research financial institutions before committing to one. Customers can learn about a company's stability from federal and state regulators, as well as rating agencies, all of which offer in-depth looks at financial institutions. One of these regulating agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) establishes and enforces rules that protect consumers against predatory practices. On the agency’s website, consumers can access tools to help them manage their finances and can submit complaints and see first hand how companies respond.
Helpful information about Checking Accounts
These days, it might be more accurate to think of checking accounts as "spending" accounts. Gone are the days where it was necessary to write checks to pay for services, or where you had to wait in line at a bank to withdraw funds. Although you can still do this of course, debit cards, ATMs, and online banking have made paying with your checking account simpler than ever before. In fact, digital baking has become an essential part of everyday life.
Traditional checking accounts come with various fees, and most don’t gain interest like savings accounts do. Brick-and-mortar banks try to spice things up by offering a variety of perks for their checking accounts, but with the rates they offer, these are hardly enough. However, there is a cheaper alternative to traditional checking that offers better benefits.
Living in a digital age, it’s no surprise that people have embraced online banks. They offer the same benefits traditional banks do, but with some of the most competitive rates available. Online banks can do this because they don’t pay to maintain a physical presence, minimizing their operating costs. For checking accounts, they offer fewer and cheaper fees, along with additional features like increased interest rates, free online bill pay, and 24 hour access. Interest rates earned by online checking accounts are not as high as their online savings counterparts. However, some online banks do offer high promotional APYs, and because most online banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), you can rest assured that all your funds are safe.
Now, there are some slight drawbacks to online banks. For one, not having a physical location means that all queries will need to be addressed online or by phone. Another drawback is that some online banks don’t offer direct ATM access, which means that customers rely on ATMs from other banks to withdraw funds, which may mean additional fees. However, online banks are aware of these inconveniences, and most take adequate measures to solve them, like having various means of communication (phone, email, live chat) and refunds in the case of ATM fees.
If you feel that online banking is right for you, your first step is to compare all of your available options. First, look for banks that offer high APY rates, but make sure you read their terms and conditions to know if these are promotional rates or if they depend on specific conditions. For example, some banks offer a high APY for a specific amount of time, but drop them afterwards. Others offer high APYs if your account balance is high, but discontinue it if you go below a specific number.
Next, compare the number of standard fees that come with the checking account, their costs, and if they waive options. Some online banks waive maintenance fees if you keep a certain balance, while others waive them if you deposit a specific amount per month. Also, check if there is a minimum balance requirement, if there are any added fees or penalties, and if they limit the amount of cash you can spend or withdraw daily. Keep an eye out for any additional features companies offer, such as free physical checks and debit cards, points or rewards systems, free online banking, and whether or not they have a mobile app.
If you withdraw money often, you should look for online banks that give you easy access to ATMs, or that can reimburse ATM fees. Some online banks are an extension of traditional banks, meaning that their ATMs and banks allow free in-person withdrawals. Other online banks partner with regular banks so that customers have access to their ATMs without fees. Some offer refunds for any fee customers have to pay, while others refund up to a certain amount per month. Always look for banks that have these features, since they guarantee a headache-free experience when withdrawing from your checking account.
FAQs about Checking Accounts
Can I have more than one checking account with my bank?
Can I open checking and savings accounts with different banks?
What is a checking line of credit?
Can I be turned down for a checking account?
What is a high-yield checking account and do I need one?
What should I do with my check after I deposit it online?
Do I need paper checks anymore?
How do I avoid monthly service charges?
Do online checking accounts have ATMs?
Are online checking accounts secure?
Secondly, your money is safe because all major online banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This agency was founded during the Great Depression when many banks failed and customers lost the money they had deposited.
Nowadays, if an FDIC-insured bank fails, the agency guarantees that the money in your accounts will be safe. One thing to keep in mind is that only the first $250,000 in any given account is secure. If your balance exceeds this limit, it may be a good idea to check with a financial advisor to find out how you can keep your money secure.