Banking Checking Accounts

Best Checking Accounts [2025]

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.

By Becca Borawski Jenkins
and Kate Underwood

Edited by Melinda Sineriz, ABFP™

Updated May 7, 2025

SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% APY¹ 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 1/31/2026. 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.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% 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 3.80% 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 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. 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>. on your money
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² 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>
Get your paycheck up to two days early³ 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.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ 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>.

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Discover® Cashback Debit

4.5

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month⁵ See website for details.
No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
Easily switch direct deposit via the Discover mobile app or online for Early Pay (get your paycheck up to 2 days early!)
60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide
FDIC Insured

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Chime®

4.6

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

No minimum balance, no monthly service fees⁶ 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.
Get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit⁷ 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.
Eligible Members can access fee-free overdraft up to $200⁸ SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.
50K+ fee-free ATMs nationwide⁹ 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.
Automatic savings helps you grow your money faster¹⁰ Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

Open Account

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 come by, but we've reviewed options with popular banks and banking platforms to find the accounts that offer the most everyday value and benefits.

SoFi®, Discover, Chime®¹¹ Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. The secured Chime Credit Builder Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. , and Chase are just a few of our picks for the best checking accounts. Learn more about each of these, plus a handful of other great options.

How we evaluate products

Best checking accounts of June 2025 compared

Checking Account	Best for	Monthly fees and minimums
SoFi Checking and Savings	Combined online checking and savings	$0 minimum balance² <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> $0 monthly maintenance fee
Discover® Cashback Debit	Cash back	$0 minimum balance No monthly maintenance fee¹² <p>See <a href="https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf">Deposit Account Agreement</a> for details on transaction eligibility, limitations, and terms.</p>
Chime® Checking	Minimal-fee checking	$0 minimum balance 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>
Chase Total Checking®	In-person banking	$0 minimum balance $0 to $12 monthly maintenance fee
Axos Rewards Checking	Earning interest	$0 minimum balance No monthly maintenance fee

SoFi Checking and Savings

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

5.0

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Earn up to 3.80% APY¹³ and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.¹ FDIC Insured.⁴

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Best for keeping your spending and saving in one place

Pros

No monthly service or overdraft fees² 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>
Up to 3.80% APY on savings with direct deposit¹³ SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.

Cons

Must have direct deposit to earn highest APY
No standalone checking or savings account

We'll always go to bat for this account from SoFi® as one of the best checking options, even if it isn't strictly a checking account. In fact, this is why we prefer it over other choices — it's a combined checking and savings account that rewards you for everything from your everyday earnings or rainy day fund. The account earns up to 3.80% on your savings balance with direct deposit and up to 0.50% (as of 01/24/25) on checking with direct deposit. You'll earn 1.00% (as of 01/24/25) on your savings balance if you don't have direct deposit set up.¹³ SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>. .

You don't have to stress about overdraft or monthly maintenance fees with SoFi Checking and Savings.² 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> If you open this account, I recommend taking advantage of its overdraft coverage. If your account becomes overdrawn, SoFi will automatically pull from your savings to cover the charge.¹⁴ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. This joint account is also great for quickly transferring funds when you want to save more or need to tap into your savings.

Member FDIC ⁴ 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>.

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings | Read our SoFi® review.

4.3

2025 award winner Best for Overdraft Protection

Truist One Checking - Earn $400¹⁵ Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Offer 2025: TRUIST25AFL400 Offer Information: Open a new Truist One Checking account online from 5/1/25 through 10/29/25, receive at least 2 qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days of account opening and earn $400.  Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code TRUIST25AFL400. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.  *A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited into your new checking account by your employer or outside agency via ACH. Person to person payments (such as Zelle®) or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.  Offer Eligibility: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 5/1/24 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 mailing address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC. Reward Processing: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. In order to receive the reward, the new checking account must be open, not restricted, and in good standing with a balance of at least $0.01 at the time of Truist verification and at the time of payout. An account is considered restricted if it has a temporary or permanent block that prevents credits from posting to the account. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met. Promotion is only applicable once per client and for one new qualifying checking account. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward Forfeiture: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the new checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer prior to payout, (2) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance or is restricted at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met or (3) the new checking account is closed or restricted at the time of payout. Other Terms: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right, in its sole discretion: 1) to prohibit a reward payout 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 7/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter TRUIST25AFL400 into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700. Version 2 03262025 TRUIST25AFL400 Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2025, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

Terms apply. No overdraft fee, low minimum deposit of $50. $100 Negative Balance Buffer¹⁶for eligible clients. Ways to waive monthly maintenance fee.¹⁷ The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by: Option 1: Making $500 or more in total qualifying Direct Deposits per statement cycle. 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. Option 2: Maintaining a total combined ledger balance of $500 or more in any Truist related accounts across personal deposits and all investments as reflected on the business day before your statement cycle end date. A Ledger Balance is actual balance in your account on a specific day and does not reflect any holds or pending transactions. Your Total Combined Balance is the sum of all balances within the Truist personal deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market or CDs), IRAs or brokerage accounts introduced through Truist Investment Services, Inc. Related Accounts automatically includes all applicable accounts associated with primary and secondary account holders. Option 3: Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, excluding LightStream®. Option 4: Having a linked Small Business Checking Account. Eligible Small Business account types include: Truist Dynamic Checking, Business Interest Checking, Simple Business Checking and Business Value 200. Option 5: Primary client is a student. 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. Option 6: Primary client is under the age of 25 or age 62 and older. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2025, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. Member FDIC.

Open Account

Discover® Cashback Debit

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

4.5

Discover® Cashback Debit

Discover® Cashback Checking

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.⁵ No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.

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Best for earning cash back on debit card spending

Pros

1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in qualifying debit card purchases each month
Early access to paychecks
No NSF fee or minimum balance requirement

Cons

Can only deposit cash at Walmart

I have to say, there aren't many checking accounts that offer cash back on your spending. If you like the idea of earning money back on your debit transactions, you may want the Discover® Cashback Checking account.

It offers an impressive 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in qualifying debit card transactions each month. This is in addition to standard checking features such as no minimum balance requirements and early access to paychecks. It also has an extensive ATM network and a fee-free overdraft protection service.

One drawback to Discover Bank's checking account is that you can only make cash deposits at Walmart. You can make electronic deposits by transferring money from another institution, however. Member FDIC.

Visit Discover® Cashback Debit | Read our Discover review

Chime® Checking

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

4.6

Chime®

Chime® Checking¹⁸ - No Monthly Fees⁶ + Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit⁷

Checking Account. No minimum balance. FDIC Insured through The Bank Corp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.

Open Account

Best for making cash deposits

Pros

No monthly service fees⁶ 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.
Offers fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200 to qualifying members⁸ SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.
Potential early access to paychecks⁷ 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.

Cons

Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees
Not all members are eligible for mobile check deposit

One of only a few online checking accounts we've found that permits cash deposits, the Chime checking account is one of our favorites for this. The fintech's checking account lets you make cash deposits at a long list of retailers, including Walgreens, Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and more, although only Walgreens transactions are fee-free.¹⁹ Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade. This is more choices than you'd get with another platform that lets you deposit cash, like Varo.

There's plenty to like about this account, including a large fee-free ATM network⁹ 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. , a debit card, and no minimum balance requirements. I also like this account if your income and expenses might be a little erratic and occasionally lead to a lower balance.

You also might find some of Chime's other accounts useful, like The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card²⁰ 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. or high-yield savings account²¹ Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account. , and it's nice to have more than one account at the same institution for ease of managing those accounts.

Like some of the other accounts on this list, Chime offers the ability for you to get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit. But on top of that, Chime SpotMe® overdraft protection covers any accidental overdrafts up to $200 so your purchases aren't declined, and it won't charge you an overdraft fee either.⁸ SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.

Visit Chime® | Read our Chime review

Chase Total Checking

4.2

Chase Total Checking®

Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.²² FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 7/16/2025.

Open Account

Best for in-person banking

Pros

Large in-person branch network
Overdraft Assist

Cons

High monthly fee
Limited fee-free ATM network

Chase offers a variety of checking account options, 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®, the option we recommend for the majority of people.

It's a basic account that's compatible with Zelle and offers excellent in-person access through a network of more than 4,700 branches. It makes for a great joint checking account, and the monthly service fee of $12, while not ideal, is relatively easy to waive. To avoid it, you can:

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.

Chase has a relatively limited ATM network of around 15,000. Member FDIC.

Visit Chase Total Checking® | Read our Chase Bank review

Axos Rewards Checking

Best for earning interest

Pros

Earn interest on your checking account
No overdraft or NSF fees
Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements

Cons

To earn the maximum amount of interest, you must have investment accounts and a loan with Axos Bank
High minimum direct deposit to unlock interest-earning options

Axos Rewards Checking offers you the opportunity to earn rewards for using your account in a variety of ways. If I were able to meet the requirements, I'd take advantage of the opportunity for a significant APY on checking balances with Axos. (The maximum APY is almost comparable with that of high-yield savings accounts.)

You must receive at least $1,500 in monthly direct deposits to qualify for an APY and any other additions to your APY, so if your income and employer fit that model, it's a great option.

Other activities that make you eligible for further rate increases include:

Minimum of 10 debit card transactions per month or link an account to Personal Finance Manage
Average daily balance of $2,500 in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account
Average daily balance of $2,500 in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account
Make full monthly loan payments (mortgage, personal, or auto loan) with your Axos Rewards Checking

Altogether you have the opportunity to earn up to 3.30% APY on your account balance.²³ APY means Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of June 7, 2024. Interest rate and APY may change after initial deposit depending on the terms of the specific product selected. Minimum opening deposit is $0. Given that checking accounts rarely pay interest at all, this is a pretty high interest rate.

In addition, this rewards checking account does not charge overdraft or insufficient fund fees. There are also no maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Plus, there is no initial deposit requirement to open the account and Axos will reimburse all domestic ATM fees, making it a really simple bank, even if you don't meet the requirements for the higher APY.

Member FDIC.

Visit Axos Bank | Read our Axos Bank review

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:

Navigating fees

These days, there's almost no reason to pay a banking institution for your checking account. While some of the banks included here charge monthly account fees, you can typically get those fees waived. Plus, a lot of banks don't charge account maintenance fees anymore, so you should be able to access the checking features you need without losing money.

If you plan on keeping a decent-sized balance in your checking account, then an account that waives monthly fees when you meet a minimum balance might be a good fit for you.

Take into account 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 + "fees" and typically find this information.

Look for the following:

Monthly account maintenance fees
Overdraft fees
ATM fees
Non-sufficient fund (NSF) fees
Debit card fees

Of course, no one wants to pay any fees, but be sure you understand fee structures 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 to you, check the bank's ATM locator to ensure that there are plenty of fee-free machines in your area.

5.0

Max-Rate Checking - 3.00% Annual Percentage Yield²⁴ As of 04/30/2025, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of the Max-Rate Checking Account is 3.00%. Your interest rate and APY may change at any time and fees may reduce earnings. Please visit <a href="http://etrade.com/ratesheet">etrade.com/ratesheet</a> for information regarding this account's current interest rate and corresponding APY. The $15 monthly account fee can be waived when you maintain an average monthly balance of at least $5,000 in the account on or after the end of the second calendar month from opening the account.

No transaction fees and ATM fee refunds worldwide.²⁵²⁶ FDIC insured up to the applicable limits.²⁷Waive the $15 monthly account fee when you maintain an average account balance of $5,000.

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Does the bank offer the features and benefits you need?

Next is a fairly obvious question as well. What do you want from your checking account? Think about fees, how you'll deposit money and withdraw money, and whether you expect your account to earn interest, for example.

Consider these benefits that many checking accounts offer:

Fee-free ATM access: How many ATMs are available? Does the bank reimburse out-of-network ATM transactions?
Annual percentage yield (APY): Does the checking account pay more than a pittance in interest on your balance? How do you earn it?
No overdraft fees: Does the bank offer overdraft protection if you make a payment and your balance dips temporarily?
Early paycheck access: Does the bank provide optional access to funds up to two days before the direct deposit date?
Joint accounts: If this applies to you, you might want a joint checking account with a partner or relative.
Mobile banking: Can you access your bank account via mobile app? How user-friendly is it?
In-person branches: If you prefer in-person banking, choose a bank that has physical branches near you.
Cashback rewards: A few checking accounts offer a rewards program on your spending, which can be nice.

Figure out what matters most to you. You probably won't get all of these features, so prioritize the benefits you need and want.

For me, for example, I prefer mobile banking to in-person, but I don't really care about ATM access or cash rewards. I tend to keep a relatively high balance in my checking account, too, so I don't need to worry about a minimum balance or overdraft fees. But your priorities in a checking account may be different, so choose what works best for you.

Tip

Some banks offer account bonuses to new customers opening a checking account. You typically need to meet certain requirements like having a certain amount of qualifying direct deposits.

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. Sometimes, having more than one checking account can make money management and budgeting easier. For example, you might want a separate checking account for spending on your kids, or a business checking account for your business expenses.

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 where it can earn you more.

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.

Among our top recommendations are Chime, Axos, and Sofi. However, there are plenty of options available, so make sure to research and compare your options before making your choice.

Reach Your Savings Goals Faster

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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits

Earn up to 3.80% APY¹³ SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>. and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits¹ 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 1/31/2026. 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.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% 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 3.80% 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 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. 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>.
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² 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>
Get your paycheck up to two days early³ 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.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ 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>.

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