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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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What to look for in a checking account
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
| Checking Account | Best for | Monthly fees and minimums |
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Earning interest on checking |
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In-person banking |
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Minimal-fee checking |
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Customer experience |
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| American Express Rewards Checking | Amex customers |
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SoFi Checking and Savings
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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 Bank 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>
- 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 Bank 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>
- Helpful money management tools
- Must have direct deposit to earn the highest APY
- $4.95 fee for cash deposits
- No standalone checking or savings account
Visit SoFi Checking and Savings | Read our SoFi® review.
Account to consider instead
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.9 <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 deposit10 <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.
Chase Total Checking®
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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.
Member FDIC.
- Large in-person branch network
- Overdraft Assist
- Multiple monthly fee waiver options
- High monthly fee
- No interest
- Limited fee-free ATM network (around 15,000)
Visit Chase Total Checking® | Read our Chase Bank review
Chime® Checking
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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).18 <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 network16 <p>Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network.</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 deposit14 <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 deposit19 <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.15 <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 20 <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.21 <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.
- 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 members15 <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 paychecks14 <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>
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees
- No interest
- Limited eligibility for mobile check deposit
Visit Chime® | Read our Chime review
Capital One 360 Checking
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.22 <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.
- 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
- Earns negligible interest
- No debit card rewards
- Does not reimburse ATM fees for out-of-network ATMs
Read our full Capital One 360 review.
American Express Rewards Checking
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 3.20% APY without a minimum deposit requirement or monthly service fee.23 <p>The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of March 18, 2026. 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.
- Competitive APY and rewards
- Known for great, 24/7 customer service
- May provide a welcome bonus
- Supports Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- No overdraft services
- No branch or cash deposit options
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
Visit American Express Rewards Checking
Is it time to switch banks?
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.
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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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FAQs
What is required to open a new checking account?
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.
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:
We would never feature banking accounts not covered by FDIC or NCUA insurance among our recommendations. To make our list, a checking account must be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for credit unions. Check out how FinanceBuzz rates deposit accounts for more details about our research methodology when assigning star ratings to these products.
How we determined the best checking accounts
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.
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