Welcome to our expertly curated guide on the “Best Online Checking Accounts” available today.
In the digital age, choosing the right online checking account can greatly enhance your financial management.
Our selection highlights accounts that offer high-yield interest rates, ensuring your savings grow efficiently.
Experience the freedom of no-fee accounts that eliminate monthly maintenance charges, coupled with the convenience of direct deposit and access to fee-free ATMs.
Discover accounts that reward you with enticing perks, all while prioritizing customer satisfaction and the safeguard of your deposits.
With robust online and mobile banking features, managing your finances has never been easier. Additionally, explore flexible cash deposit methods that cater to your needs.
Dive into our top picks and find the perfect online checking account that aligns with your financial aspirations.
Best Online Checking Accounts of 2025 (Updated July 2025)
Best for: Best for to getaway from Overdraft fees
Smartfinancialways rating
5.0/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
0.50%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Overdraft & NSF fee
$0.00
Bonus offer
Upto $300
Earn up to $300 with direct deposit
Minimum deposit to open
$0.00
Minimum balance required
$0.00
Out of network ATM fee
$0.00
Online account access
Yes
- Earn 7x the national average rate℠.
- APY on your checking balances.
- Monthly fee.
- Overdraft fee.
- Minimum balance fees.
- No monthly fee – You won’t have to pay a monthly fee for all the great features that come with your SoFi® checking account.
- Say goodbye to fees – Pay no monthly, overdraft, or minimum balance fees.
- Up to 2-day early paycheck – Get paid up to two days early by just setting up direct deposit.
- Up to $300 bonus with direct deposit – Earn $50 or $300 cash when you set up direct deposit.
- Mobile Deposit – Skip the trip to the bank. Just snap a photo of your check with mobile deposit and securely add funds to your account anytime, anywhere.
- Zelle® – Easily send, request and receive money using Zelle® – all in just a few taps.
- Automatically get a SoFi debit card at no cost when you open your checking account.
- $0 fraud liability – With the World Debit Mastercard, you’re protected from unauthorized transactions online, in-store, by phone, and at ATMs.
- Access 55,000+ fee-free ATMs – Conveniently access cash from 55,000+ no-fee ATMs within the Allpoint® Network. Find an ATM near you.
- Instant digital wallet – Instantly start using your checking account by linking your debit card to your digital wallet so you can make secure purchases right away.
- Contactless payments – Just tap your chip debit card at checkout for a quick, encrypted transaction without swiping or inserting.
- Earn more with 0.50% APY – Earn 7x the national checking rate with no balance tiers or requirements.
- No-fee overdraft coverage – Overspent by accident? No problem. You’ll be covered up to $50 with no overdraft fees with direct deposit of at least $1,000.
- FDIC-insured – Your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per member, with free access to up to $3M in FDIC coverage for even greater security.
- Joint bank accounts – Managing money together has never been easier. Our joint bank account offers shared access, real-time transaction tracking, and easy bill payments.
- Student banking offer – Banking that fits your college life. Mobile banking, and a $30 cash bonus, you can manage your money confidently while staying focused on what matters most.
- To open a checking account with SoFi – You’ll need Name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Identification Number (ITIN), primary home address, email address, and phone number.
- No monthly fee ever
- No minimum deposit to open
- Customers can receive early direct deposits at SoFi Bank
- SoFi customers have access to Allpoint network ATMs
- SoFi customers earn a competitive APY
- The SoFi checking and savings account doesn’t have fees, which includes overdraft fees
- You can’t just get a checking account – you have to get both a checking and savings account
Best for: All-in-One Checking Account
Smartfinancialways rating
5.0/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
N/A
Overdraft fee
None
Bonus Offer
1% cash back
On up to $3000 in debit card purchases each month
Non-sufficient funds fee
None
Min. opening deposit
None
Account must be funded within 45 days
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- Cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.
- Get paid up to 2 days early with Direct Deposit.
- Monthly fee.
- Overdraft fee.
- Minimum balance fees.
- 1% cash back today – On up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.Plus, rewards never expire.
- Bank with a no-fee checking account – No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged a fee on our free checking account.
- Get paid early with direct deposit – Get your paycheck up to two days early when you set up direct deposit for your online checking account.
- Add cash to your account – Add cash to your checking account using your contactless debit card at any Walmart in the U.S. — with no fees.
- 60,000+ fee-free ATMs – Easily access the cash from your checking account at stores you already visit.
- No overdraft fees – If a transaction that will result in an overdraft, Discover will pull that money from a designated funding account if you’ve enabled overdraft protection.
- Discover recently introduced a buffer program that allows customers to overdraw up to $200 in debit card purchases, with no fee (to qualify account must be in good standing).
- Fraud protection – A comprehensive set of features and tools to help protect your checking account from fraud.
- Digital wallets – Link your debit card with Google Pay™ , Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay™ and earn rewards on qualifying purchases.
- Send money with Zelle® – Use Zelle® to send and receive money from friends and family.
- Free help removing your personal info from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app.
- No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged a fee on our free checking account
- The checking account doesn’t charge fees or require a set minimum balance
- Customers can earn cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
- Discover offers surcharge-free access to more than 60,000 ATMs
- Those enrolled in direct deposit can receive paychecks up to two days early
- Discover® Bank’s Cashback Debit account has a service that may help get your personal information off of certain websites
- The Discover® Cashback Debit account doesn’t earn interest, which some competitors offer on their rewards checking accounts
Best for: Checking Account Interest Rate
Smartfinancialways rating
5.0/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
1.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus offer
N/A
Overdraft fee
None
Non-sufficient funds fee
None
Excessive transaction fee
None
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- No minimum balance to earn.
- This checking account does not have monthly fees.
- Checking account APY rate.
- Times the rate of national average.
- Direct deposit up to two days earlier than the standard deposit time.
- No minimum balance to earn.
- Access to more than 90,000 nationwide ATMs.
- Forget monthly fees – Our high-yield checking account has no monthly fees.
- Get cash quicker – Direct deposit up to two days earlier than the standard deposit time.
- Access to The Giving Center – Everything Account customer will have access to donate to IRS-recognized charities within the Mobile App.
- 1.75% APY High yield checking account – You put money into it, preferably from a job depositing it directly. And that money earns money. In this case, 1.75% APY.
- Withdraw your cash at 90,000+ ATMs globally plus nbkc reimburse you up to $12/month in fees for out-of-network ATMs.
- Deposit your cash 90,000+ ATMs globally plus nbkc reimburse you up to $12/month in fees for out-of-network ATMs.
- Cash a check in mobile app or if you want the check to turn directly into cash, head to one of our branches.
- nbkc bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor.
- NBKC is a full-service community bank that only supports a few physical branch locations, most of its business is done online.
- Deposit account holders can receive support over the phone Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Customer service via live chat is also available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
- NBKC mobile app receives favorable ratings on iOS and Google Play. Users can set savings goals and get an overall view of their finances by linking external accounts
- APY is variable and subject to change at our discretion, without prior notice. Minimum balance required to obtain APY is $0.01.
- APY rates effective as of – 06/22/2025.
- NBKC does not charge overdraft fees
- There are no monthly maintenance fees associated with the Everything Account
- It offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) on all balances, often higher than traditional checking accounts
- You can open and maintain the account without needing to meet a minimum balance
- The account provides access to a vast network of fee-free ATMs (Allpoint and MoneyPass) and reimburses up to $12 per month for out-of-network ATM fees
- The account integrates checking and savings features, allowing you to set savings goals within the same account
- NBKC has a highly-rated mobile app and online platform for easy account management
- No Zelle Access – NBKC does not offer Zelle for person-to-person payments
- Limited Branch Access – NBKC is primarily an online bank, with 4 physical branches limited to the Kansas City area
- No Relationship Benefits – NBKC does not offer relationship-based benefits like higher APYs or lower loan rates for customers who open multiple accounts
Best for: ATM Access
Smartfinancialways rating
5.0/5
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus offer
N/A
Overdraft & NSF fees
None
APY
0.51% meet terms*
*Direct deposits of $1,500 & keep a daily balance of $1,500
Minimum deposit to open account
None
Min. balance required to open account
None
Fee-Free ATMs
95,000
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly maintenance fees.
- Minimum balance requirement.
- Minimum balance fees or Overdraft fees.
- APY when $1500 in direct deposits & avg. daily balance of $1500.
- Get your money up to 2 days early.
- $0 monthly maintenance fees.
- No Non-Sufficient Funds or Overdraft Fee.
- Interest-bearing account. Interest rate is variable on Axos One Checking
- No minimum balance required to Open the Axos One Checking account.
- Earn 0.51% APY – Maintain an average daily balance that’s more than $1,500 & receive at least $1,500 total in monthly direct deposits.
- Up to 2-day early paycheck – Get paid up to two days early by just setting up direct deposit.
- Large ATM network – Access 95,000+ fee-free ATMs in the Axos bank ATM network.
- ATM fee reimbursed – Up to $10 Domestic ATM Fees Reimbursed per month.
- For cash deposits – Use any ATM in the network that accepts cash deposit, or through the nearly 100,000 retail partners through the Green Dot Network, though you might have to pay a fee to use the latter.
- Link external accounts in the app to move your money seamlessly.
- Deposit accounts FDIC insured up to $250K individual and $500K joint.
- Expanded FDIC insurance up to $265M with Axos Bank InsureGuard+ Savings from IntraFi® Network Deposits℠.
- Chat 24/7 with a virtual financial assistant.
- Monitor your credit score for free.
- No monthly service fees
- Early direct deposit
- No minimum opening deposit
- Large 90,000 fee-free ATM network
- 24/7 customer service for banking products
- Interest compounds daily
- High interest if you can meet the requirements
- Better Business Bureau has given Axos an A+ rating
- Axos mobile app has 4.7 out of 5 stars in the Apple store
- Axos mobile app has 4.4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store
- Low interest rate if you cannot meet requirements
- Cannot overdraft your account
- The Axos ONE Checking & Savings Bundle is a combination checking and savings account
- Online-only bank
Best for: Outstanding Customer Experience
Smartfinancialways rating
5.0/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
1.00%
1.00% APY on all balances as of 12/14/2022
Bonus offer
N/A
Overdraft fee
None
Rewards Points
1 point per $2 spent
On eligible purchases using your debit card
Minimum balance requirements
None
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly fees.
- Fee to open.
- Minimum balance requirement.
- Earn a 1.00% APY. 10X higher than the national rate.
- World-class customer service and fraud monitoring.
- Send or receive money with no fee using Zelle® right from the Amex® App or online.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards® points on every $2 spent on eligible Debit Card purchases.
- $0 monthly fees, No fee to open, no minimum balance requirement.
- 1.00% APY on account balance – Earn a 1.00% APY on checking account —10X higher than the national rate.
- Debit Card Rewards – Earn 1 Membership Rewards® points on every $2 spent on eligible Debit Card purchases.
- Backed by Amex – 24/7 world-class customer service and fraud monitoring.
- Rewards – Redeem those points for deposits right into your Amex Rewards Checking account.
- Mobile Check Deposits – The Amex® App helps make mobile deposits simple – just take pictures with your smartphone. Submit checks payable in U.S. Dollars only.
- Digital Transfers: You can transfer money when you need to from an eligible account that’s connected, including the American Express® High Yield Savings Account.
- Digital Wallet: Add your American Express® Debit Card to your digital wallet to make fast and convenient payments in store and online.
- Zelle® – Send or receive money with no fee using Zelle® right from the Amex® App or online. Enrollment required.
- AMEX is currently accepting applications from Card Members with a U.S. Basic Consumer Card issued by American Express National Bank with at least 35 days tenure.
- Deposit Funds: Link one of your other bank accounts, you can enable an online transfer into your Amex Rewards Checking account.
- Direct Deposit: Visit americanexpress.com and go to direct deposit to explore setup options.
- Direct Deposit Automation: Use automated direct deposit switching to transfer your direct deposit to your American Express® Rewards Checking account.
- Wires: You can receive incoming wire transfers from external banks into your Rewards Checking account for no fee.
- Withdraw Cash: At ATMs, including unlimited fee-free ATM withdrawals with your Debit Card at over 70,000 Allpoint® and MoneyPass® ATM locations nationwide.
- Find ATMs: Visit americanexpress.com to find a full list of fee-free Allpoint® and MoneyPass® ATMs near you.
- Transfer Funds: Transfer money from your Amex Rewards Checking account to another financial institution online or in the Amex® App.
- American Express charges a foreign currency conversion fee for transactions that are not in U.S. dollars, as well as a fee for outgoing wires.
- APY on your Amex Rewards Checking account is variable and may change at our discretion at any time before or after the account is opened without notice.
- P2P & Pay Bills: Use your account number and routing number on your Amex Rewards Checking account home page to pay bills or make P2P payments on third party sites directly.
- If you experience an error processing a transfer or deposit on your account, please call us at 1-877-221-2639.
- No Fees: No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no opening deposit requirements
- Rewards: Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 spent on eligible debit card purchases
- High-Yield Interest: 1.00% APY on account balance
- ATM Access: Access to a large network of MoneyPass ATMs for fee-free withdrawals
- Mobile Check Deposit: Deposit checks remotely using the mobile app
- No Overdraft Fees: Since it’s a debit card, transactions will simply decline to avoid fees
- Keep Amex MR points alive: The rewards points earned can help keep your Amex Membership Rewards points alive
- There is no cap on how many points you can earn
- Limited Availability: The account is only available to existing American Express cardholders
- Limited Cash Deposits: There are limited options for making cash deposits
- Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.7% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made outside the U.S.
- No physical branches: As an online bank, Amex doesn’t offer physical branch access
- Requires existing Amex card: You need to already hold an Amex card to open the account
Best for: Checking alongwith Savings Accounts
Smartfinancialways rating
4.9/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus offer
N/A
Overdraft fee
None
Non-sufficient funds fee
None
Excessive transaction fee
None
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly fees.
- Minimum balance required to open the account.
- APY on account balances.
- Available for eligible Bask Interest Checking account customers.
- Earn an extra 3.00% APY on top of 1.00% — totaling 4.00% APY on qualifying activities.
- No Fees – No monthly account fees, so you can keep more of what you earn.
- 1.00% APY on account balances, plus earn an extra 3.00% APY1 on top of the base rate of 1.00% APY — totaling 4.00% APY through August 29, 2025, when qualifying activities are met.
- 4.00A APY: To qualify, complete $2,500 monthly automated deposits and maintain an average monthly balance of $2,500 in your Bask Interest Checking account through the reward period.
- ATM Access – With your Bask debit card, you can access more than 55,000 surcharge-free Allpoint® ATMs.
- Mobile-first Banking – Easily manage your accounts at any time with the Bask mobile app.
- Interest paid monthly – Bask Bank uses your daily Bask Interest Checking Account balance to calculate interest each day and interest is paid monthly.
- The sum of your deposits with Bask Bank and Texas Capital Bank is insured to at least $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category.
- The annual percentage yield is accurate as of Monday, June 23, 2025. Rate is variable and subject to change after account opening.
- Surcharge-free guarantee – Bask Bank guarantees you will not pay a surcharge at any Allpoint® ATM. Some locations may have more than one ATM, not all of which are part of the Allpoint Network.
- If an account remains unfunded for fifteen (15) business days, we reserve the right to close that account.
- There are no monthly account fees
- Bask Bank’s Interest Checking account earns a top-notch yield for a checking account
- Customers get a debit card and access to more than 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network
- Several promotions are available, including additional interest if you complete certain qualifying activities
- No physical branches
- Accounts may be closed if not funded within 15 days
Best for: Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
Smartfinancialways rating
4.6/5
Monthly fee
$0
APY
0.25%
You earn interest no matter your balance
Bonus offer
N/A
Min. opening deposit
$100
One-year earnings
$122
Based on balance & APY in a 1 year period with no withdrawls
Overdraft fee
None
It declines transaction or enroll in a overdraft protection plan
Out of network ATM fee
Fees reimbursed*
*All fees reimbursed on balance of $5,000 & for lower balance $15/ month
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly maintenance fee.
- Overdraft or nonsufficient funds fee.
- APY on all EverBank Performace℠ Checking account balances.
- EverBank offers more than 80,000 fee-free ATMs. see details.
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursment on balances $5,000 or more.
- 4x the national average.
- No monthly maintenance fee.
- You need $100 to open an EverBank Performance℠ Checking account.
- Interest on this account is compounded daily and credited monthly.
- Earn 0.25% APY on all Performance℠ Checking accounts regardless of account balances.
- EverBank is a mostly online bank serving customers in all 50 states.
- For out-of-network ATMs: All accounts qualify for ATM fee reimbursements. Two reimbursement tiers are offered.
- ATM fee reimbursement Tier 1: For balances of $5,000 or more: Unlimited monthly ATM fee reimbursements.
- ATM fee reimbursement Tier 2: For balances under $5,000: Up to $15 in monthly ATM fee reimbursements.
- EverBank offers more than 80,000 fee-free ATMs but only for withdrawls. You won’t be able to deposit cash.
- EverBank Performance Checking is an interest-bearing checking account fixed with a guarantee that its rate will always be among the top 5% of competitive checking accounts.
- You can deposit money through direct deposit, online transfers, wire transfers, mobile check deposits or by sending a check through the mail.
- Cash deposits: Cash deposits at ATMs are generally not supported. You can make cash deposits in person at EverBank financial center or by mail.
- In case of overdraw: It generally declines transactions that would lead to a negative account balance.
- Offers overdraft protection program: It offers free overdraft transfers from a linked savings account.
- The mobile app offers check deposit and bill pay, but it doesn’t have very high ratings in either the Google Play store or App Store.
- Representatives are available by phone on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on the Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
- Physical branches: There are only 11 branches, located mostly in Florida and with two in California.
- Your deposits with EverBank will be FDIC insured up to the standard $250K per depositor for each account ownership category.
- On the go: You can use the EverBank mobile app, Zelle® and digital wallet applications.
- Looking to make a high-value purchase, like a down payment on a house? You can request Official Checks or a wire transfer.
- Call 1.888.882.3837 to open this account by phone, or visit one of our financial centers in Florida or California.
- Earn 0.25% APY on all account balances
- No minimum balance, monthly maintenance or NSF fees
- Offer 80,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
- Out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed up to $15 per for all accounts
- Outgoing international wire transfer available with a fee
- Everbank’s card offer longer extended warranaties on products and price and return protection
- EverBank is a mostly online bank, but there are some bank branches
- Balance of $5,000 required for unlimited ATM fee reimbursement
- Lower yield than the other interest checking accounts
Best for: High-Yield Interest bearing Checking
Smartfinancialways rating
4.8/5
Monthly fee
$0.00
APY
1.10%
All balances, make at least 10 qualifying debit card POS of $10 or more
Bonus offer
N/A
Min. opening deposit
$100
Estimated earnings
$220*
*Based on deposit amounts for a 1 year period
Min. balance for APY
$0
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly fees.
- Overdraft fees.
- Foreign collection fees.
- Non-sufficient-funds fees.
- APY on all balance tiers when you make at least 10 qualifying debit card transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle.
- Leave your debit card behind. With the Quontic Pay Ring, always have access to your money with this payment wearable.
- 90,000 surcharge free ATMs across the nation.
- Send and receive payments to your contacts through Zelle.
- US-based support. Chat live, request a call or speak through your computer’s audio.
- Minimum opening deposit of $100.
- No Nonsense Fees- No monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no foreign collection fees.
- Earn 1.10% APY on all balance tiers when you make at least 10 qualifying debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle.
- Interest is compounded daily and deposited into your account each month based on your account daily balance and satisfying the point of sale eligible transactions requirements per statement cycle.
- In a cycle where there are not that many qualifying transactions, 0.01% APY is applied.
- No pockets no problem- Leave your debit card behind. With the Quontic Pay Ring, always have access to your money with this payment wearable.
- You will be able to sign up for Online Banking, Mobile Banking and be provided with a Quontic Debit Card.
- You won’t have to pay ATM fees while using your Quontic Debit Card at any participating AllPoint® Network ATMs, MoneyPass® Network ATMs, SUM® program ATMs.
- You won’t have to pay ATM fees while using your Quontic Debit Card at Citibank® ATMs located in Target, Speedway, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Safeway, Winn Dixie, and Circle K.
- Debit Card Security Lock – FDIC Insured and secured. Lock and unlock your debit card.
- Remote check deposit, bill pay, and account transfers.
- Make and receive payments when you link your card with Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay & Samsung Pay.
- Financial Tools – Track your spending and monitor credit with a full credit report, and credit report monitoring.
- Synced Accounts – A birds-eye view of all your bank accounts, and loans in one place.
- Biometric Authentication – Log in to your account securely with your fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Support when you need it – 100% US-based support. Chat live, request a call or speak through your computer’s audio.
- ATM-processed transactions; transfers between accounts; purchases made with debit cards not issued by our bank; cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions are not qualified POS transactions.
- Peer-to-peer payments (such as Apple Pay Cash*); loan payments or account funding made with your debit card and purchases made using third-party payment accounts are also not qualified as POS transactions.
- High Interest Checking Account is a conditional tiered variable rate account wherein you must deposit $100.00 to open this account.
- Founded in 2009 as a community bank, New York City-based Quontic has evolved into a digital bank that serves customers across the country.
- FDIC-Insured – Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
- High Interest: Quontic’s High-Interest Checking Account offers a competitive APY, especially for larger balances
- No Monthly Fees: No monthly maintenance fees associated with the account, regardless of balance or other requirements
- No Overdraft Fees: Quontic Bank does not charge overdraft fees, a potential cost savings for those who may overdraw their account
- Fee-Free ATMs: Quontic provides access to a large network of ATMs, including Allpoint, Citibank, and MoneyPass
- Online and Mobile Banking: Quontic is an online bank, so its services are accessed primarily through online and mobile banking
- $100 opening deposit
- No brick-and-mortar branches
- Transaction Requirements: To earn the high interest rate, you may need to meet specific criteria, such as making a certain number of debit card transactions per month
- Not Ideal for In-Person Banking: Quontic may not be suitable for customers who prefer in-person banking services or who need to visit a physical branch
Best for: No fees & full-service Checking
Smartfinancialways rating
4.8/5
Monthly fee
$0.00
APY
0.10%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus offer
$250
Open after Aug22, 2024 & receive at least 2 direct deposits of $500 ea.
Overdraft fee
None
Non-sufficient funds fee
None
Min. balance for APY
$0.00
Out of network ATM fee
None
Online account access
Yes
- Monthly fees.
- Opening balance requirement.
- Overdraft fee and nonsufficient funds fee.
- APY on all account balances.
- Check deposits and cash withdrawals at Capital One-branded, Allpoint and MoneyPass ATM networks.
- ATMs, some of these machines can be found at certain CVS®, Target and Walgreens locations.
- Bonus with Capitol One 360 Checking account. Terms Apply.
- There are no monthly fees with a Capital One 360 Checking account.
- There’s also no minimum balance to open, keep and use your account. And there are no overdraft fees.
- Get Paid Early – Sign up for direct deposit with your 360 Checking account, and you can access your paycheck up to 2 days sooner than payday.
- Add cash to your account – You can add cash to your 360 Checking account at any CVS®, Walgreens or Duane Reade by Walgreens. It’s free, fast and secure.
- Fee-free ATMs – Get cash from 70,000+ fee-free Capital One, MoneyPass® and Allpoint® ATMs—including in select Target®, Walgreens and CVS® stores.
- Free debit card – 360 Checking comes with a no-fee debit card to make purchases and get cash at ATMs.
- Digital payments – With Zelle®, you can pay and get paid free and fast with your checking account with Capital One.
- A top-rated app – Bank 24/7 with the Capital One Mobile app—check balances, make deposits and more.
- In-person support – Visit our branches and Cafés and meet with our friendly Ambassadors.
- Financial goals – Get tips and tools for meeting your financial goals at our Financial Success Hub.
- Pay your bills, get cash, make deposits and transfer money—all without monthly fees and extra trips to the bank.
- Fees: If you request a cashier’s check, send an outgoing wire or have a checkbook printed, you may be charged a fee for these extra services.
- Overdraft protection option 1: Auto-Decline: We generally decline transactions that cause overdrafts on your account.
- Overdraft protection option 2: Free Savings Transfer: Automatic transfer of funds from your savings or money market account to cover overdrafts.
- Overdraft protection option 3: No-Fee Overdraft: No fees charged on approved transactions that put your account balance below $0.
- You can earn interest on the money in your account. As of 6/23/2025, you’ll earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 0.10%. See rates.
- Interest on your account will be compounded and credited on a monthly basis.
- Any one “Bill Pay” per transaction cannot exceed $100,000.00. Any one “Cashier’s Check” transaction cannot exceed $250,000.
- Total card purchases and withdrawals are limited to $5,000 per day. This includes ATM withdrawals, cash advances, sign, & PIN-based purchases.
- You may also withdraw cash from ATMs using your mobile app. Total withdrawals may not exceed $500 per day and $2,000 per month.
- 360 Checking is available to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with a U.S. physical address located in one of the 50 United States or Washington, D.C.
- Although it’s primarily an online bank, Capital One offers more than 250 branches in eight states and Washington, D.C., as well as cafe-style locations in various states.
- Checking account customers must agree to receive electronic statements, as paper ones are not an option.
- You must also be a paperless Customer – see Capital One 360 Checking account disclosure below
- No fees. No minimums. No overdraft fees
- Your first order of checks is free
- 360 Checking account earns interest on all balances and requires no minimum balance
- Access to more than 70,000 ATMs in Capital One’s own network and the Allpoint and MoneyPass networks
- Mobile app users can deposit cash at CVS and Walgreens stores
- It offers early direct deposit, which allows you to get paid up to two days earlier than usual
- 360 Checking is an online only account, Capital One offers more than 250 branches in eight states and Washington, D.C.
- Some competitors offer higher rates on interest checking accounts
- Checking account customers must agree to receive electronic statements, as paper ones are not an option
- Capital One charges $30 for outgoing domestic wire transfers. That’s more than some banks charge for this service
Best for: Fee-free ATMs & full-service Checking
Smartfinancialways rating
4.9/5
Min. opening deposit
None
APY
N/A
Bonus offer
$100
Open a Secure Checking with qualifying transactions.
Chase In-Branch ATM limit
$3,000
Daily purchase limit
$5,000
Chase Debit, Disney, Star Wars, & Skyline
Monthly fee
$4.95 or $0*
*$0 if qualifying electronic deposits totaling $250 or more in a period
Out of network ATM fee
$3 inside U.S. & $5 outside U.S.
Online account access
Yes
- No fees on most everyday transactions℠.
- No overdraft fees, spend only what you have.
- No fees on most everyday transactions like money orders, cashier’s checks, Chase Online℠ Bill Pay, or Zelle®
- Minimum deposit to get you started.
- Direct deposit (up to 2 days early)
- Certified low-cost account – Chase Secure Banking is a basic low-cost checking account with no minimum opening deposit.
- $4.95 monthly fee or $0 monthly fee when you have electronic deposits made into this account totalling $250 or more in a period.
- There is no overdraft fees, and no fees on most everyday transactions like money orders, cashier’s checks, Chase Online℠ Bill Pay, or Zelle®.
- Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer, when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. See terms. Offer expires 7/16/2025.
- Early direct deposit: with your Chase Secure Checking account in which we credit your eligible direct deposit transaction up to two business days early.
- Direct deposit: Eligible transactions are certain ACH credit transactions, such as payroll, tax refunds, government benefits, and pensions.
- Build your credit – With Chase Credit Journey®, help build and improve your credit with a personalized improvement plan provided by Experian.
- Zero Liability Protection – Get reimbursed for unauthorized debit card transactions when reported promptly.
- Budgeting Tools – Manage your spending with Budget and get daily spending insights with Snapshot in the Chase Mobile® app.
- Account access and Alerts – With the Chase Mobile® app, set up alerts to monitor your balance, deposits and more.
- Zelle® is intended for payments to recipients you know and trust and is not intended for the purchase of goods from retailers, online marketplaces or through social media posts.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- Services not supported – Paper check writing, incoming and outgoing wire transfers.
- Card Lock – Lock and unlock your debit card if you misplace it.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Certified low-cost account
- No overdraft fees
- Free money orders and cashier’s checks
- Early direct deposit (up to 2 days early)
- $100 bonus
- $4.95 monthly fee (Only applied in situations when you cannot meet the waiver criteria)
- No overdraft protection
- Fees for non-Chase ATM
- Does not include paper checks
- No wire transfers to or from this account with qualifying transactions
Best for: Investors
Smartfinancialways rating
4.4/5
Monthly fees
$0
APY
0.05%
Overdraft fee
None
Min. opening deposit
None
For new investors, “Starter Kit” recommend a deposit of $50 in 30 days
Foreign transaction fee
None
Only purchase or ATM withdrawl amount in U.S dollars
ATM withdrawls
$0
Unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawls worldwide
Electronic funds transfer
None
Transfer between Schwab bank & another U.S. financial institute
Online account access
Yes
- Account minimums or maintenance fees.
- Foreign transcation fees.
- Overdraft fees & stop payment fees.
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals worldwide.
- Earn a 0.05% annual percentage yield (APY) on your account balance.
- Fee to transfer funds electronically between Schwab account and an another U.S. financial institution
- Customer Satisfaction for Direct Bank Checking Accounts for the 7th year in a row.
- Account Servicing: No monthly service fee regardless of account balance.
- The Schwab Bank Investor Checking account is available only as a linked account with a Schwab One® brokerage account.
- The Schwab One brokerage account has no minimum balance requirements, no minimum balance charges, no minimum trade requirements, and there is no requirement to fund this account, when opened with a linked Investor Checking account.
- No Foreign transcation fees, Overdraft fees & stop payment fees.
- No Foreign transcation fees, Overdraft fees & stop payment fees.
- Earn a 0.05% variable interest rate and a 0.05% annual percentage yield (APY) on your account balance..
- ATM withdrawals: Unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals worldwide.
- Cashier’s checks:For cashier’s check, please call Schwab Bank Customer Service at 1-888-403-9000..
- Checks returned due to insufficient funds: No fees are charged for a check you write that we are not able to pay because there is not enough money in your account.
- Electronic funds transfers: No fee to transfer funds electronically between your Schwab Bank account and an account at another U.S. financial institution.
- Foreign transactions: No foreign exchange transaction fees for purchases made with your debit card.
- Incoming wires: Domestic wires only (Schwab Bank does not accept wires in foreign currency or from banks outside the U.S. and its territories).
- Outgoing wires: Domestic wires only $25 ea. (Schwab Bank does not send wires to countries outside the U.S. and its territories).
- Schwab Bank Bill Pay™: No fee to use Schwab Bank Bill Pay to pay your bills online or on your mobile device..
- Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card: No fee for original or replacement debit cards delivered by regular U.S. mail.
- Contactless debit cards: Pay securely with your Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card at contactless-enabled terminals or add it to your mobile wallet.
- Robust mobile app:Make deposits, check balances, move money, and use Zelle®, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for a simple way to pay.
- The Schwab Mobile Deposit service is subject to certain eligibility requirements, limitations, and other conditions. Enrollment is not guaranteed. Standard hold policies apply. Requires a wireless signal or mobile connection.
- Access to Electronic Services may be limited or unavailable during periods of peak demand, market volatility, systems upgrade, maintenance, or for other reasons.
- Tighter security with card lock/unlock, transaction alerts, fraud alerts and travel notifications.
- Access 24/7 assistance: Schwab dedicated teams are standing by and ready to help answer your questions and support your checking or banking needs.
- FDIC insurance: Up to $250,000 per bank account based on ownership type.
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No overdraft fees or NSF fees are charged
- Unlimited ATM reimbursements
- No stop payment charges
- 0.05% variable APY on your account balance
- #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Direct Bank Checking Accounts for the 7th year in a row
- Small yield
- There’s no way to deposit cash into the account
- Bank accounts are online-only
- $25 domestic wire transfer fee (Charles Schwab doesn’t allow for international wire transfers)
- You need to link the checking account to a Schwab One Investor account
Best for: Checking with Money Management
Smartfinancialways rating
4.5/5
Monthly fees
$0
APY
Up to 0.25%
Overdraft fee
$0
Min. balance
$0
No min balance to keep your account open after you fund
Foreign transaction fee
Up to 1%
Of the transaction amount
ATM withdrawls
$0
Any Allpoint ATM in U.S is free, plus $10 reimburse for out of network ATM
Electronic funds transfer
None
No fee to transfer money to or from your accounts at other institute
Online account access
Yes
- Overdraft items.
- Monthly maintenance fees.
- Low daily balance.
- Standard or expedited transfers.
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit.
- No-fee ATMs in the ATM network.
- APY on balances less than $15,000.
- APY on balances $15,000 or more.
- Access to your credit report, with no impact to your credit.
- No monthly maintenance fees & no overdraft fees.
- No minimum deposit required to open an account.
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit.
- No fees for checks or additional debit cards.
- No fees for standard or expedited transfers.
- Access 75,000+ no-fee ATMS. Receive $10 in monthly ATM-fee reimbursements.
- Earn 0.10% annual percentage yield (APY) on checking accounts with less than a $15,000 minimum daily balance.
- Earn 0.25% annual percentage yield (APY) on checking accounts with minimum daily balances of $15,000 or more.
- Overdraft transfer service moves money from a connected savings or money market account to cover an overdraft on your checking account.
- Qualify for $100 in CoverDraft protection 30 days after depositing at least $100 into your checking account..
- You can receive $250 in protection if you have direct deposits and receive at least two qualifying direct deposits into your account for two consecutive months.
- You’ll have two weeks to bring your negative balance to the black, and Ally will deduct your next check to cover any red ink.
- No fees for incoming wire transfers; $20 for outgoing domestic wire transfers (International wire transfers are not supported).
- Spending buckets: Stay ahead of expenses with buckets. Set money aside for ongoing expenses like rent, groceries, and subscriptions.
- Deposit checks whenever, wherever: Remote check deposit with Ally eCheck Deposit℠. Take a photo and you’re all set.
- Ally Bank does not accept cash, you can deposit into your account using (1) Remote Check, (2) Online transfer, (3) Wire transfer & mail.
- Your debit card and initial check order will arrive in the mail within 10 business days after we receive your opening deposit.
- When re-ordering standard checks, after you submit the request your checks should arrive in 10 business days.
- You can access your account, make payments and move money any time at ally.com or on our app.
- You can also: (1) Use a debit card or checks for purchases and payments. (2) Make payments using online Bill Pay.
- Your card, always in your control: Lock your card in seconds if it’s lost or stolen.
- Cash Back: Get cash back when you shop with your debit card.
- Transfer Money: (1) Between your Ally accounts. (2) From your Ally accounts to your accounts at other institutions.
- Give us a call at 1-877-247-2559 to request an official/cashier’s check, at no charge.
- CoverDraft typically covers: (1) Debit card purchases, (2) Automatic monthly subscriptions, (3) Personal checks or mailed Bill Pay checks, (4) Transfers you initiate at other institutions.
- CoverDraft doesn’t cover: (1) Zelle® payments, (2) ATM withdrawals, (3) Internal transfers between Ally Bank or Ally Invest accounts, (4) Wire transfers.
- Stop payment fee: $15.
- Live chat available.
- Your money, FDIC-insured: Deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum allowed by law.
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum balance requirements
- Money management features
- 75K fee-free ATMs plus $10 in monthly ATM reimbursements
- Earn a solid interest rate on any daily balance
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Customer service is available 24/7
- No physical locations
- Cash deposits aren’t accepted
- You can’t send a foreign wire transfer from Ally Bank
- $20 for domestic wire transfers
Bank Requirements to open a Checking Account in the U.S.
Most U.S. banks typically require some form of;
(1) Valid government-issued photo identification or state-issued driving license along with (2) Basic details about yourself, including your (a) Date of Birth, (b) Your Social Security number, and (c) Your current residential address and (d) Your mobile contact information. (3) Minimum opening deposit depending on the bank.
How To Pick The Best Checking Account For Your Needs
Choosing the right checking account is a crucial financial decision that can impact your day-to-day money management. With numerous options available, it’s essential to understand the key factors that can help you select the best checking account for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore important keywords and considerations to guide you in making an informed choice.
Fees
One of the first things to consider when selecting a checking account is the fee structure. Banks may charge various fees, including monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and fees for using out-of-network ATMs. Look for accounts that offer low or no fees, especially if you plan to maintain a low balance or frequently use ATMs.
Minimum Deposit
Many banks require a minimum deposit to open a checking account. This amount can vary significantly between institutions. Ensure that the minimum deposit requirement aligns with your financial situation. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum deposit, which can be beneficial if you’re just starting to build your savings.
Safety of Your Account Balance
The safety of your funds is paramount. Ensure that the bank you choose is FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. This insurance provides peace of mind that your money is safe even if the bank faces financial difficulties.
Customer Service
Good customer service can make a significant difference in your banking experience. Consider banks that offer 24/7 customer support and have a reputation for resolving issues promptly. Reading customer reviews and asking friends or family about their experiences can provide valuable insights.
Digital Experience
In today’s digital age, a bank’s online and mobile banking capabilities are crucial. Look for banks that offer a seamless digital experience, including user-friendly apps and websites. Features like mobile check deposit, real-time transaction alerts, and easy fund transfers can enhance your banking experience.
APY on Your Account Balance
While checking accounts typically don’t offer high interest rates, some banks provide an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on your account balance. If earning interest on your checking account is important to you, compare the APYs offered by different banks. Even a small interest rate can add up over time.
Online and Mobile Banking
The convenience of online and mobile banking cannot be overstated. Ensure that the bank you choose offers robust online and mobile banking services. This includes the ability to check your balance, pay bills, transfer funds, and deposit checks remotely. A strong digital presence can save you time and effort.
ATM Network and Out-of-Network Fees
Access to a wide ATM network can save you money on fees. Check if the bank has a large network of ATMs and whether they charge fees for using out-of-network ATMs. Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, which can be a valuable perk if you travel frequently.
Deposit of Funds to Your Account
Consider how easy it is to deposit funds into your account. Look for banks that offer multiple deposit options, such as direct deposit, mobile check deposit, and in-branch deposits. The more flexible the deposit options, the more convenient it will be to manage your finances.
Wire Transfers
If you frequently send or receive money internationally, consider the bank’s wire transfer capabilities. Check the fees associated with wire transfers and whether the bank offers competitive exchange rates. Some banks offer free or discounted wire transfers, which can be a significant advantage.
PROS
Checking accounts offer easy access to your money when you need it.
Make electronic deposits and make electronic payments or withdrawals, including at ATMs.
Most banks allow desktop login and have a mobile app on apple and google play store so that you can handle your banking without needing to go to a branch.
Best checking accounts offer FDIC insurance of $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership type and per financial institution.
Online banks, including those listed on this page, offer FDIC insurance.
Majority of banks allow you to set up bill pay services from your checking account, and also give you access to a money transfer service like Zelle through your bank.
CONS
Most checking accounts out there don’t earn interest.
Though only a few checking accounts offer strong interest rates, you’ll find higher interest rates in savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Checking accounts may charge monthly fees or impose requirements to avoid fees.
You may also have to pay a fee if you overdraft your account or send a foreign wire transfer.
When you have to keep too much money in your checking account, it will limit your ability to save.
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, selecting the best checking account involves evaluating various factors, including fees, minimum deposit requirements, safety, customer service, digital experience, and more. By considering these elements, you can find a checking account that aligns with your financial needs and lifestyle. Take the time to research and compare different options to make an informed decision that will benefit you in the long run.
Up Next In Checking, compare the other types of best checking accounts:
To summarize our top selections…
Smartfinancialways’s Best Checking Accounts for July 2025
SoFi® Bank Online Checking: 0.50% APY, Best for to getaway from Overdraft fees
Discover® Cashback Debit Checking: 1% Cashback, Best for All-in-One Checking
nbkc bank Everything Account: 1.75% APY, Best for Checking Account Interest Rate
Axos Bank Axos ONE® Checking: 0.51% APY, Best for Large ATM Access
American Express Rewards Checking: 1.00% APY, Best for Best Customer Experience
Bask Bank Interest Checking Account: 1.00% APY, Best for Checking alongwith Savings
EverBank Performance℠ Checking: 0.25% APY, Best for Unlimited ATM fee reimbusrsments
QUONTIC Bank High Interest Checking: 1.10% APY, Best for High-Yield Interest Checking
Capitol One 360 Checking®: 0.10% APY, Best for No fees & full-service Checking
Chase Secure Banking℠, Best for Fee-free ATMs & full-service Checking
Schwab Bank Investor Checking™, Best for Investors
Ally Bank Spending Account: 0.25% APY, Best for Checking with Money Managemnt