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5 Best Debit Cards 2025

Check out our top picks for the best checking accounts and best debit cards. Get cash back rewards, low rates and no fees. Open an online bank account in minutes.

Last Updated: April 23, 2025
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SEE OFFER

Earn 9x The National Average Rate

Earn 9x The National Average Rate

Earn Up to $300 Cash Bonus& Up to 3.80% APY1 on Savings Balances

  • Earn up to $300 Cash Bonus with Direct Deposit3
  • Earn 0.50% APY1 on Checking Balances
  • $0 Monthly Fees⁴ & Free Overdraft Coverage⁵
  • 2-day-Early-Paycheck⁶
  • FDIC Insured up to $250k plus up to $3M in supplemental insurance⁷

 

Open SoFi Account Today

#2
Our Partner

Earn $400* with qualifying activities on Truist One Checking (new checking clients only)1

  • Minimum Opening Deposit: $50
  • No ATM Fees at Truist ATMs
  • $100 Negative Balance Buffer for eligible clients2
  • Member FDIC

*Use Promo Code: AFL2425TR1400

*Offer valid through 04/30/2025

*Terms and conditions apply

 

#3
Our Partner

No in-network ATM fees1

  • Get your paycheck advance within 3 business days fee-free
  • Get up to a $750 paycheck advance once you qualify2
  • No credit check required for paycheck advance

 

View Current Offer

#4
Our Partner

Get paid 2 days early with direct deposit1

  • No monthly fees
  • No overdraft fees
  • 50k+ Fee-free ATMs³
  • 24/7 live support

 

View Chime Offer

#5
Our Partner

Earn 1% Cash Back (on up to $3k in Monthly Debit Purchases¹)

  • No Monthly Fees & No Min. Balance Required
  • Early Pay: Get Paid up to 2 days Early with Direct Deposit²
  • Access to 60,000+ Fee-Free ATMs
  • Fee-free Overdraft Protection³

 

 

What is a Checking Account?

A checking account is a transactional account used for depositing and withdrawing funds. Checking accounts include a debit card for in-person and online payments, such as at retailers or to pay bills through a utility company website. You can also use your debit card at ATMs all around the world to withdraw money, check your balance, and deposit cash. Each of our top picks come with the best debit cards of 2024 and best prepaid credit cards with no fees.

How do Checking Accounts Work?

Virtually all financial institutions have an online banking site and a mobile app, which you can use to schedule transfers from other accounts, receive ACH deposits (e.g. payroll, government benefits) and deposit paper checks. Most traditional banks also offer in-person service at physical branches.

What is a High Yield Checking Account?

A high-yield checking account is a type of bank account that offers higher interest rates on your balance compared to standard checking accounts. It works by allowing you to earn interest on the money you keep in the account, similar to a savings account, but with the added flexibility of easy access to your funds through checks, debit cards, and online transfers. This makes it a great option for those who want to maximize their earnings while maintaining everyday banking convenience.

How to Pick the Best Checking Account:

  • Check monthly fees & balance requirements: To pick the best checking accounts, first consider your banking habits and needs. Look for accounts with low or no monthly fees, minimal balance requirements, and extensive ATM networks to avoid out-of-network charges.
  • Compare account features: Evaluate the convenience of online and mobile banking features for easy access and management. Check if the account offers perks like overdraft protection or cashback rewards.
  • Compare interest rates: Although interest rates are typically low for checking accounts.
  • Read customer reviews: Gain an understanding of the bank's reputation for customer service to ensure a positive banking experience.

SoFi®️ Checking and Savings

SoFi Checking & Savings Account Overview:

SoFi Checking & Savings offers an all-in-one banking experience with no monthly fees and a fast online sign-up process. Customers can open an account in minutes and enjoy features like early direct deposit, automatic savings tools, and a high-yield interest rate on their balance. Accounts are FDIC-insured up to $3 million through SoFi Bank, N.A.

Fees:

SoFi Checking & Savings has no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirements. Customers who set up direct deposit can qualify for fee-free overdraft protection up to $50. ATM withdrawals are free at over 55,000 Allpoint® locations nationwide.

Perks & Benefits:

SoFi members can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking balances with direct deposit. Additional perks include financial planning tools and exclusive member rewards. SoFi also offers automated savings features, allowing users to round up purchases or set up recurring transfers to savings. Plus, enjoy early paycheck access and instant transaction alerts to help manage your finances with ease.

Earn Up to 3.80% APY* & Up to $300 Cash Bonus with Direct Deposit Set-Up.**

Current Checking Account

Account Overview:

Current makes banking simple with a quick online sign-up process—no credit check required. Your Visa® debit card will arrive within a few business days, and you can start using your account right away. Eligible users can access their paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit.

Fees:

No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees. Eligible users can overdraft up to $200 fee-free with Current Overdrive™. Standard transactions, such as ATM withdrawals at in-network locations, are also free.

Perks & Benefits:

Current offers cash back on debit card purchases at participating retailers. Users can also create Savings Pods to organize and grow their savings with competitive interest. The app provides real-time spending insights, instant transaction alerts, and quick money transfers to friends. Plus, with access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, you can withdraw cash without extra charges. All accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.


Chime® Checking Account

 

Account Overview:

Chime offers 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 50,000 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.

Chime checking account: $0 monthly fees, $0 overdraft fees, and no opening deposit.

Discover®️ Cashback Debit Account

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

Earn 1% Cash Back on up to $3,000 in Monthly Debit Card Purchases.¹

SoFi's Disclaimers:

¹ APY Disclosures: SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% 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 SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

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 of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received 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 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.

³ Fee Policy: We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however, the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

⁴ ATM Access: We've 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.

⁵ Overdraft Coverage: 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: 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.

Additional FDIC Insurance: SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor 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 $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

Chime Disclaimers:

Chime® is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply.

The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

* SpotMe/Fee-Free Overdraft SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe® won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. Effective as of September 20, 2023, the APYis 2.00%. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. This account is optional and cannot be opened without the Chime Checking account. The HYS account has two features that help members save: Round Ups and Save When I Get Paid. Round Ups is when a debit card transaction is rounded to the nearest dollar and transferred to the savings account. Save When I Get Paid is when 10% of the direct deposit of $500+ is transferred to the savings account.

SpotMe® Boost: Boosts are available to eligible Chime members enrolled in SpotMe® and are subject to monthly limits.

^ 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. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. ~ Fee-free ATMs Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM."

¹ Credit Builder To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.

² Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®️ in January 2024, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO®️ Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

³ Security Deposit Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month. Minimum Security Deposit"]

⁴ Out of network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View the Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer. † Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply.

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.

Truist Disclaimers:

¹ Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Offer 2025: AFL2425TR1400:

Offer Information: Open a new Truist One Checking account online from 10/31/24 through 4/30/25, receive at least 2 qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days of account opening and earn $400.

Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code AFL2425TR1400. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.

*A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited into your new checking account by your employer or outside agency via ACH. Person to person payments (such as Zelle®) or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.

Offer Eligibility: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 10/31/23 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts only. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer available only to US residents with a valid US taxpayer identification number. The qualifying checking account must be opened online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.

Reward Processing: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. In order to receive the reward, the new checking account must be open, not restricted, and in good standing with a balance of at least $0.01 at the time of Truist verification and at the time of payout. An account is considered restricted if it has a temporary or permanent block that prevents credits from posting to the account. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met. Promotion is only applicable once per client and for one new checking account. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

Reward Forfeiture: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the new checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer prior to payout, (2) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance or is restricted at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met or (3) the new checking account is closed prior or restricted at the time of payout.

Other Terms: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right, in its sole discretion: 1) to prohibit a reward payout to non-eligible individuals for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist; and 2) to disqualify any account if Truist suspects accounts are being opened for the purpose of exploiting this promotional offer. All promotional payouts will be processed no later than 1/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made.

Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter AFL2425TR1400 into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700.

Version 3 10022024 AFL2425TR1400

² The $100 Negative Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows eligible clients to overdraw their account up to $100.

All eligibility requirements below must be met to initially qualify for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer:

• Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days

• Account must be funded and have a positive balance

• A single direct deposit of at least $100 per month must be made for 2 consecutive months

To remain qualified for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met:

• A recurring direct deposit of at least $100 per month

For accounts that qualify for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the $100 Negative Balance Buffer first. If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned.

Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2024, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

TD Bank Disclaimers:

*New customers who apply online for a TD Beyond Checking account can earn a $300 cash bonus after receiving direct deposits of $2,500 or more within 60 days.  To qualify for this offer, you must be a U.S. resident and apply for the offer online. Offer is available in these states: CT, DC, DE, FL, MD, ME, MA, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA.

Current Disclaimers:

1. Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees.

2. For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.