Best Checking Accounts [2026]: Bank Smarter, Don't Work Harder
The top checking accounts we've reviewed offer low fees and minimums, perks like competitive interest or early direct deposit, and easy-to-use online tools.
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A good checking account should do more than just keep your money safe. It should also make your life easier, with features like ATM access and early direct deposit, and sometimes even help you grow your money by earning interest or rewards. Checking accounts with all of these perks are hard to find, especially through traditional banks, but we've reviewed options from popular banks and platforms to find the accounts that offer the most everyday value and benefits.
Learn our picks for the best checking accounts, why each bank account deserves a seat at the table, and the things we like about each bank or fintech.
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Up to $300New 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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Why We Like It
Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit1 <p>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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> and up to 4.00% APY2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on your money
Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit4 <p>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.</p>
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
Your checking account is likely to be one of the financial products you're going to interact with most, so it's important to pick one that meets your needs and fits your money management style. Things to keep in mind as you review the accounts below include, but aren't limited to:
Fees (account maintenance, ATM, or otherwise)
Features like overdraft protection or early direct deposit
Options for cash withdrawals and deposits
Mobile app tools for budgeting and depositing checks
Customer service record
We'll go into greater detail on all these points and more below, but first, here are our picks for some of the top checking accounts out there.
Compare top checking accounts from banks and fintechs
$0 minimum balance3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
No monthly maintenance fee6 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Up to $300New 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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Why We Like It
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit4 <p>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.</p>
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
We consider this combined checking and savings account from SoFi® one of the best checking options. Not only does it eliminate the need to open separate accounts, but it also rewards you for everything from your everyday earnings to your rainy-day fund.
We like how the account's interest rates are far higher than the national averages of 0.39% (as of 2/17/26) for savings and 0.07% (as of 2/17/26) for interest checking. You can earn up to 3.30% on your savings balance with direct deposit and up to 0.50% on checking with direct deposit. However, you'll earn just 1.00% (as of 12/23/25) on your savings balance without direct deposit set up. 7 <p>Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a></p>
You don't have to stress about overdraft or monthly maintenance fees with SoFi Checking and Savings.3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> If you open this account, we recommend taking advantage of its overdraft coverage with eligible direct deposit. If your account becomes overdrawn, SoFi will automatically pull the funds from your savings.8 <p>Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.</p> This joint account is also great for quickly transferring funds when you want to save more or need to tap into your savings.
Who this account is right for: While it's not ideal if you're looking to open just one account type or the other, not both a checking and savings, we think SoFi is worth considering if you keep sizable balances and prioritize earning interest on your checking funds.
Member FDIC 5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
Pros
No monthly service or overdraft fees3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Up to 3.30% APY on savings with direct deposit7 <p>Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a></p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2026 AWARD WINNERBest for Overdraft Protection
Truist One Checking - Earn $4009 <p><b><u>Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Online Offer Q4 2025 and Q1 2026:</u> AFL400TR1Q425<br><br></b></p>
<p><b><u>Offer Information</u></b>: Open a new Truist One Checking account <b><u>online </u></b>from 10/30/25 through 3/25/26, complete the following activities within 120 days of the account opening and earn $400. You must open the account online and enter the promo code to be eligible to participate in the promotion.</p>
<p>• Receive at least two qualifying direct deposits* totaling $2,000 or more <b>AND</b></p>
<p>• Complete at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases** within 120 days of account opening. All debit purchases must be posted to your account to qualify.</p>
<p>Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b>. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.</p>
<p>*A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) deposited into your new checking account via ACH. Person to person payments (such as Zelle®), Real Time Payments (RTP), pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another, or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.</p>
<p>**Qualifying debit card purchases include any purchase made with a Truist debit card and posted to the new checking account within 120 days of account opening. ATM withdrawals using your debit card are not qualifying transactions. Zelle® transactions are not qualifying transactions. Bank fees are not included.</p>
<p><b><u>Offer Eligibility</u></b>: 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 10/30/24 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 physical address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.</p>
<p><b><u>Reward Processing</u></b>: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. Promotion is only applicable once per checking account and per client. 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.</p>
<p><b><u>Reward Forfeiture</u></b>: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the new checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer (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 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.</p>
<p><b><u>Other Terms</u></b>: 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 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 3/31/27 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. All standard account terms and conditions apply.</p>
<p><b><u>Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions</u></b>: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b> 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.</p>
<p class="">Version 3 09162025 <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b></p>
Terms apply. No overdraft fee, low minimum deposit of $50. Balance Buffer10 <p>The Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows clients to overdraw their account up to $100. There is no decision required as this feature is automatically available when a client qualifies.</p>
<p>To <b><u>INITIALLY QUALIFY</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirements below must be met:</p>
<ul>
<li>Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days</li>
<li>Account must be funded with a positive balance</li>
<li>A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days</li>
</ul>
<p>To <b><u>REMAIN QUALIFIED</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met:</p>
<ul>
<li>A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days. <b>After qualifying, if 35 calendar days pass without a Direct Deposit of at least $100, you will no longer have access to the Balance Buffer.</b></li>
</ul>
<p>For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer, once the account is overdrawn by $100, additional transactions will typically be declined or returned.</p>
<p class="">For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the Balance Buffer first. If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned.</p> for eligible clients. Ways to waive monthly maintenance fee.11 <p>The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by any one of the following:</p><br>
<p><b>Maintenance fees are waived for primary account owners under the age of 25 or age 62 and older.</b></p><br>
<p><b>Making $500 or more in total qualifying Direct Deposits per statement cycle.</b> A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit via ACH deposited to your account during the current statement cycle. Pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit card/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible to meet this requirement.</p><br>
<p><b>Maintain a total combined ledger balance of $500 or more in your Truist related accounts. </b>Related accounts automatically include all applicable accounts associated with primary and secondary account owners. Your total combined ledger balance is the sum of the actual balances of all your Truist related accounts across personal deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, CD, or IRA) and brokerage accounts introduced through Truist Investment Services, Inc. (TIS) including TIS accounts managed by Truist Advisory Services, Inc., as reflected on the business day before your statement cycle end date (the actual balance in your account does not reflect any holds or pending transactions). Truist HSA is excluded from total combined ledger balance.</p><br>
<p><b>Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, including LightStream®. </b></p><br>
<p><b>Having a linked Small Business Checking Account. </b>Eligible Small Business account types include: Truist Dynamic Checking, Business Interest Checking, Simple Business Checking and Business Value 200.</p><br>
<p><b>Primary account owner is a student. </b>The waiver for a student requires they are listed as the primary account owner and they provide their anticipated graduation date. The waiver expires on the provided graduation date. On this date, the account is subject to the Monthly Maintenance Fee unless at least one waiver criterion is satisfied.</p> Member FDIC.
If the SoFi Checking and Savings account appeals to you but doesn't seem quite right, the Axos ONE® account is a very similar alternative. It's also a checking and savings one-two punch. The account earns up to 0.51% APY on checking balances when you meet requirements, and up to 4.21% APY on savings balances when you meet requirements.12 <p class="">The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 02/02/2026. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Checking is variable and is set at our discretion. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Savings is variable and is set at our discretion. Axos ONE® Savings is a tiered variable rate account. Axos ONE® Checking is a non-tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.</p><p>Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After the accounts are opened, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below.</p><p>The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a base rate of 0.00% APY. The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a base rate of up to 1.00% APY.</p><p>Axos ONE® accounts are eligible to receive a promotional APY for each statement cycle where the promotional criteria are met during the Qualification Period. To receive the promotional APY on both Axos ONE® Checking and Axos ONE® Savings, the Axos ONE® Checking account must meet both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 below during the Qualification Period:</p><p>Option 1</p><p>1. Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $1,500 in total.</p><p>2. The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $1,500.</p><p>Option 2</p><p>1. Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying deposits of at least $5,000 in total.</p><p>2. The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $5,000.</p><p>If both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 above are met during the Qualification Period:</p><p>• The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a promotional rate of 0.51% APY for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.</p><p>• The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a promotional rate of 4.21% APY on the first $499,999.99 and 4.01% APY on any additional balance for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.</p><p>The Qualification Period begins on the first business day of the month and runs through the 25th of the month. If the 25th of the month is followed by a non-business day, the average daily balance will be calculated including the following non-business day(s). Any qualifying deposits or qualifying direct deposits received after the 25th of the month will count toward the next Qualification Period. The Qualification Period for new accounts will begin on the day the account is approved. New accounts opened on or after the 25th of the month will be eligible to earn the promotional APY starting in the following month. </p><p>A direct deposit is an electronic ACH deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability, etc. International paychecks, international government benefits, other deposits (i.e., real time payments, online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.), or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.</p><p>Qualifying deposits only include deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers from external accounts, (ii) inbound wire transfers from external accounts, (iii) mobile check deposits, (iv) real time payments. Qualifying deposits do not include: (i) transfers internal to the bank (i.e., transfers between an account holder’s Checking and/or Savings account), (ii) interest payments, (iii) promotional bonuses, (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds, (v) ATM deposits.</p><p>Both accounts must be in an open and active status on the 25th of the month and on the date the interest is paid to receive the promotional APY for that statement cycle. If either account closes during the Qualification Period, neither account will be eligible to earn the promotional APY for that statement cycle. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account.</p> Plus, like SoFi's account, it offers early access to your paycheck with direct deposit13 <p>Faster access to funds is based on a comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct Deposit and earlier availability of funds are subject to payer’s support of the feature and timing of payer’s funding.</p> and lets you separate spending money and savings.
You might prefer Axos ONE to SoFi because it offers a higher yield on your savings. However, you have to either receive at least $1,500 in total monthly qualifying direct deposits and maintain at least this amount as your average daily balance, or receive at least $5,000 in total monthly deposits and maintain this balance to qualify for this rate. That's why we'd recommend alternatives if you're a big saver who doesn't regularly receive substantial deposits.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
$400Receive your bonus within 15 days of completing the necessary requirements. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$15 or $0$15 Monthly Service Fee OR $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits OR $1,500+ balance at the beginning of each day OR $5,000+ average beginning day balance in this account, or in combination with any linked qualifying personal deposits or in investmentsOR Link this account to a qualifying checking account
Why We Like It
Get a $400 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.14 <p>Receive your bonus within 15 days of completing the necessary requirements. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment.</p>
$15 monthly service fee but you have multiple ways to waive it15 <p>$15 Monthly Service Fee OR $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: </p>
<p>$500+ in qualifying electronic deposits</p>
<p> OR $1,500+ balance at the beginning of each day</p>
<p> OR $5,000+ average beginning day balance in this account, or in combination with any linked qualifying personal deposits or in investments</p><p class="">OR Link this account to a qualifying checking account</p>
Over 5,000 in-person branches and more than 15,000 ATMs
No overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day.16 <p>With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.</p>
Chase offers many checking accounts, including Chase First Banking for kids as young as six years old and Chase College Checking for students. But one of its most popular accounts is Chase Total Checking®, which I personally use.
This basic account is Zelle compatible and offers excellent in-person access through more than 5,000 branches. It's ideal if you're like me and sometimes need to drop by a branch to deposit cash or get something notarized. It makes for a great joint checking account, and the $15 monthly service fee, while not ideal, is relatively easy to waive by meeting one of these requirements:
Make qualifying electronic deposits totaling $500 or more to the account each statement period.
Have a minimum daily balance of at least $1,500.
Have a minimum combined balance of at least $5,000 across eligible Chase checking and savings accounts.
The account also includes Chase Overdraft Assist, which offers no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of a business day. If you sometimes come up short, you'll likely appreciate this perk and save money on fees.
Who this account is right for: We recommend this account for those who want flexibility and in-person banking options.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Learn Moreon Chime's secure website, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC
Bonus Offer
N/A
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Why We Like It
No minimum balance, no monthly service fees6 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
Get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit17 <p> 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.</p>
Eligible Members can access fee-free overdraft up to $20018 <p>SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.</p><br>
<p>Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
50K+ fee-free ATMs nationwide19 <p>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.</p>
Automatic savings helps you grow your money faster20 <p>You can automatically transfer part of your direct deposits of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your selected Chime account(s).</p>
Learn Moreon Chime's secure website, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC
While many online checking accounts don't support cash deposits, the Chime checking account lets you make them at a long list of retailers, including Walgreens, Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and more (though only Walgreens transactions are fee-free).21 <p>Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your Chime account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade. </p> You generally get more choices than with another platform that lets you deposit cash, like Varo.
There's also plenty more to like about this account, including a large fee-free ATM network19 <p>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.</p> , a debit card, and no minimum balance requirements. We also like this account if your income and expenses might be a little erratic and occasionally lead to a lower balance.
Not only does Chime let you get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit17 <p> 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.</p> , but it also offers the MyPay feature for up to a $500 advance on your next qualifying deposit22 <p>MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451).</p>
<p>To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. Other restrictions may apply. See <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/bancorp/mypay/">Bancorp MyPay Agreement</a> or <a href="https://www.chime.com/early-pay/mypay/">Stride MyPay Agreement</a> for details.</p> . Plus, Chime SpotMe® overdraft protection covers any accidental overdrafts up to $200, so your purchases aren't declined, and it won't charge an overdraft fee either.18 <p>SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.</p><br>
<p>Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
You also might find some of Chime's other accounts useful, like the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card for those who need to improve their credit history 23 <p>The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.</p> or its high-yield savings account.24 <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p>
Who this account is right for: We highly recommend Chime if you need to regularly deposit cash into your bank account and if your income is a bit irregular.
Pros
No monthly service fees6 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
Offers fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200 to qualifying members18 <p>SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.</p><br>
<p>Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
Potential early access to paychecks17 <p> 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.</p>
From our perspective, this well-advertised account is worthy of its status as one of the most popular checking accounts today. Capital One 360 Checking doesn't offer the most features or rewards among checking accounts, including those on this list. However, it does more things right than not, including a better customer experience with more cash access and deposit options than others.
In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, Capital One scored the highest in both the Mid-Atlantic and South Central regions. This is a good sign if you prefer personalized support. And, if you're someone who enjoys mobile banking, you'll like that the Capital One mobile banking app is rated 4.9/5 stars on the App Store and 4.5/5 stars on Google Play.
Unlike most online banks, Capital One has branches and Café locations for in-person service. While its physical footprint is smaller than Chase's, Capital One might be a worthy traditional option in your area. We're also impressed that you can use more than 70,000 ATMs without incurring fees, including no international ATM fees, and even make fee-free cash deposits, which is far less common.
Other Capital One 360 Checking perks include no overdraft fees (because you can either have these transactions automatically declined or protect your account from a negative balance by linking another account) and paychecks up to two days early with direct deposit.25 <p>Early paycheck is available for 360 Checking customers that set up direct deposit with their employer or other payor to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, or government benefits). Certain non-payroll and tax payments are not eligible for early paycheck. Early direct deposits may be available to you up to 2 days earlier, however, we are dependent on the timing of your payor’s payment instructions and therefore you may not always see your direct deposits arrive early. Early paycheck eligibility may vary between pay periods and daily/transaction limits apply. </p>
Who this account is right for: This account is great for anyone who wants a digital-first experience with the option to access in-person service when needed.
Pros
Excellent branch and ATM access relative to other online banks
May offer welcome bonuses to new customers
Early access to paychecks
Permits fee-free cash deposits at any CVS or Walgreens
Cons
Earns negligible interest
No debit card rewards
Does not reimburse ATM fees for out-of-network ATMs
While you might know it better for its credit cards, American Express is steadily becoming a staple in online banking. American Express National Bank is FDIC-insured (Cert. #27471) and offers a Rewards Checking account to U.S. card members who have had another Amex account (credit card, CD, or savings) for at least five days. If you're eligible, this could be the best checking account on this list, especially if you like flexible rewards and a competitive interest rate.
You can earn one Membership Rewards point for every $2 in eligible purchases with your debit card. A checking account that effectively earns credit card rewards on debit card spending is practically unheard of, and it doesn't really matter which Amex card(s) you have. As a long-time Amex customer, I like that you can redeem these points for cash deposits, among other options.
Plus, your checking funds will earn a 1.00% (as of 10/02/25) APY. While this doesn't come close to the best high-yield savings rates, it's very attractive when you consider that the national average checking account and even many other online high-yield checking accounts earn 0.07% (as of 2/17/26). WE think this makes the account ideal if you maintain a large cushion for bills.
American Express® High Yield Savings is also well worth considering for your savings if you have at least one Amex card. It earns a 3.30% APY without a minimum deposit requirement or monthly service fee.26 <p>The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of December 30, 2025. Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded.</p>
Who this account is right for: This account would be a great choice for existing Amex credit card holders or those who keep a large balance in checking.
We conducted a survey of U.S. adults to learn more about how they bank. A surprising number of people haven't switched, potentially missing out on bank bonuses and better benefits.
Taking a little time to look around and do some research can help you make sure you're not missing out on better deals, and that your money is in the best place for your goals.
Our advice for picking a checking account
As you compare the best checking accounts available, you'll need to consider your goals and lifestyle. Here's what to look at as you research account options:
Steer clear of fees (or at least make sure you can waive them)
There's almost no reason to pay for your checking account, and many banks have stopped charging account maintenance fees altogether. So you can keep things simple and seek out an account with no monthly fees, most often found at online banks and credit unions.
While some of the banks and companies listed here charge monthly fees, you can typically waive them with certain account activities, like receiving a certain amount in direct deposits or having a qualifying linked account.
If you plan to keep a sizable balance in your checking account, an account that waives monthly fees when you meet a minimum balance requirement might be good. I have a Chase Total Checking account and have avoided the $15 monthly fee for years by keeping a $1,500 minimum beginning daily balance.
Consider any fees you might encounter before signing up for a new checking account. You can search online for the bank's name or checking account and "fees" and typically find this information.
Look for the following:
Monthly account maintenance fees (and how to waive them, if possible)
Overdraft fees
ATM fees
Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees
Check ordering fees
Debit card fees
While no one wants to pay any fees, be sure you understand the fee structure of your new account. If you rarely let your balance dip below $500, and that's the minimum amount to avoid a monthly fee, you're probably safe. Or, if ATMs are important, check the bank's ATM locator to ensure that there are plenty of fee-free machines nearby, or pick an account with ATM fee waivers or rebates.
Make sure the bank offers the features and benefits you need
Next is a fairly obvious question as well. What do you want from your checking account? Figure out what matters most to you. You probably won't get all these features, so prioritize the benefits you need and want.
Fee-free ATM access: How many ATMs are available? Does the bank reimburse out-of-network ATM transactions?
Annual percentage yield (APY) or cashback rewards: Does the checking account pay more than a pittance in interest on your balance? How do you earn it? A few checking accounts offer a rewards program for your spending.
Overdraft protection: Does the bank offer overdraft protection if you make a payment and your balance dips temporarily? What types of rules or limits apply?
Early access to your paycheck: Does the bank provide optional access to funds up to two days before the direct deposit date? Which direct deposits are eligible?
Joint accounts: If this applies to you, you might want a joint checking account with a partner or relative.
In-person branches: If you prefer in-person banking, choose a bank with physical branches near you.
Monthly statements: All checking accounts provide monthly statements summarizing your account activity for a statement period, or a month, and many give you the flexibility to choose either paperless electronic statements or physical paper statements. Some accounts charge a small fee — usually $1 — for paper.
I mostly stick to mobile banking, except for the rare cash withdrawal or deposit. So, I don't care too much about a huge fee-free ATM or branch network. I also tend to keep a relatively high balance in my checking account, so I don't have to worry about minimum balance requirements or overdraft fees. However, your checking account priorities may be different, so choose what works for you.
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Enjoy $400 as a new Chase checking customer
When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.27 <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 4/15/2026.
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
AWARD WINNERBest Online Checking
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Bank of America Advantage Banking
Up to $500 cash offer. Click ‘Learn More' for more details. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Requirements vary by bank for opening an account, but you'll typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You'll also need to submit photo identification and provide proof of your current address.
How many checking accounts should I have?
There's no magic number; it's totally okay to have one or multiple checking accounts in your name. In my experience, having more than one checking account can make money management and budgeting easier. For example, you might want a separate checking account for spending money on your kids or a business checking account for your side hustle.
How much should I keep in checking?
You should keep at least the minimum balance in your checking account and ensure you have enough to cover all your monthly bills. It's a good idea to have a cushion to protect yourself from accidental overdrafts. I tend to keep more than necessary because that's what's comfortable for me, but it's better to move excess funds into a high-yield savings account so they can earn more interest.
How we rate products
To put together this list of the best checking accounts, we analyzed dozens of offerings from banks, credit unions, and financial technology companies. You can open a checking account at almost any financial institution, but you can’t open an excellent checking account anywhere. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate each account:
Perks and benefits: We weighed each checking account’s value based on the availability of standout perks and features, including early direct deposit, in-app budgeting tools, automated savings tools, the ability to earn interest, bill pay, and more.
Account minimums: All checking accounts we chose for this list have no minimum balance or average daily balance requirements to remain open without incurring fees (though some do require minimum balances to earn APY). None of these accounts have minimum deposit requirements to open.
Fees: We also took banking fees into account. We considered monthly maintenance, ATM, minimum balance, foreign transaction, and overdraft fees, among others such as transfer fees. While we did include some checking accounts with monthly service fees in our list, these are relatively easy to waive.
Mobile banking apps: Mobile apps are highly important for managing checking accounts today, even if you choose to bank with a brick-and-mortar institution. To compile this list, we gave preference to highly rated mobile banking apps with ratings of around four stars or more.
We would never feature banking accounts not covered by FDIC or NCUA insurance. To make our list, a checking account must be Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insured in the case of credit unions.
Bottom line
Choosing the right checking account is crucial for healthy money management. Some checking accounts offer high interest rates, while others have low or no fees. Some have convenient mobile banking features, while others provide more flexibility and perks. Some banks even offer discounts for a specific profession, like for educators, so it is important to research thoroughly.
Among our top recommendations are Chime and SoFi. Check out our SoFi vs. Chime comparison to see how they stack up. But there are plenty of other options available (including more banks like Chime), so make sure to research and compare your options before making your choice.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
AWARD WINNERBest Online Checking
High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit4 <p>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.</p>
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees3 <p>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 <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults
Access to a large ATM network28 <p>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 may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>
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The FinanceBuzz editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make financial decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
FinanceBuzz makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention. These partnerships do not influence our opinions or recommendations.
FinanceBuzz reviews and rates products on a variety of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Whenever possible we test each product and include our honest, firsthand experience using it. Read more about how we rate products.
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All About Privacy does not include all offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
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