Best Checking Accounts of 2025
See our top picks for the best checking accounts. Compare rates, offers and features, and open a free online account in minutes.
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Earn Up to $300 Cash Bonus2 & 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
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
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
Get paid 2 days early with direct deposit1
- No monthly fees
- No overdraft fees
- 50k+ Fee-free ATMs³
- 24/7 live support
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
selected this partner
selected this partner
Earn Up to $300 Cash Bonus2 & 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
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.
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.
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