Best Checking Accounts [2025]

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SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

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.

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

• Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% 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 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.</p><p>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.&nbsp;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> on your money
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² <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 early³ <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 million⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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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Discover® Cashback Debit

4.5

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.

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

• Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month⁵ <p>See website for details.</p>
• 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

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.

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

• 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 deposit⁷ <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 $200⁸ <p>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>.</p>
• 50K+ fee-free ATMs nationwide⁹ <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 faster¹⁰ <p>Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits&nbsp;of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.</p>

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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 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 <p>Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services&nbsp;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.</p> , 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.

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	Earning 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

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.

SoFi Checking and Savings

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

Earn up to 3.80% APY¹³ <p>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>.</p> and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.¹ <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 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.</p><p>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.&nbsp;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> FDIC Insured.⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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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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 <p>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>.</p> .

You don't have to stress about overdraft or monthly maintenance fees with SoFi Checking and Savings.² <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, 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 <p>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.&nbsp; 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 &gt; Savings &gt; Current APY or (ii) Banking &gt; Checking &gt; Current APY.&nbsp; Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.</p> 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 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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>

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

4.3

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.

2025 award winner Best for Overdraft Protection

Truist One Checking - Earn $400¹⁵ <p><b><u>Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Offer 2025:</u> TRUIST25AFL400<br><br></b></p><p><b><u>Offer Information</u></b>: Open a new Truist One Checking account <b><u>online</u>&nbsp;</b>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.&nbsp;<br><br></p><p>Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code <b>TRUIST25AFL400</b>. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.&nbsp;<br><br></p><p>*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.&nbsp;<br><br></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 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.<br><br></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. 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.<br><br></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 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.<br><br></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 7/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made.<br><br></p><p><b><u>Account Opening &amp; 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>TRUIST25AFL400</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.<br><br></p><p class="">Version 2 03262025 <b>TRUIST25AFL400</b></p>

Terms apply. No overdraft fee, low minimum deposit of $50. Balance Buffer¹⁶ <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><br></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.&nbsp; <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><br></p> <p class="">For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the Balance Buffer first.&nbsp; 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.¹⁷ <p>The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by:</p> <p><b>Option 1: 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> <p><b>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.&nbsp;</b>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.</p> <p><b>Option 3: Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, excluding LightStream®. </b></p> <p><b>Option 4: 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> <p><b>Option 5: Primary client is a student.</b>&nbsp;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> <p><b>Option 6: Primary client is under the age of 25 or age 62 and older.</b></p> <p>Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2025, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.</p> Member FDIC.

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Discover® Cashback Debit

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

4.5

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.

Discover® Cashback Debit

Discover® Cashback Checking

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.⁵ <p>See website for details.</p> No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.

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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

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.

Chime®

Chime® Checking¹⁸ <p class="">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.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p> - No Monthly 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 paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit⁷ <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>

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

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One of the few online checking accounts we've found that allows cash deposits, the Chime checking account lets you make cash deposits at a long list of retailers, including Walgreens, Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and more (though only Walgreens transactions are fee-free).¹⁹ <p>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.</p> 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 <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. 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 <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.&nbsp; To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.</p> or high-yield savings account²¹ <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p> .

Like some of the other accounts on this list, Chime offers the ability 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 an overdraft fee either.⁸ <p>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>.</p>

Visit Chime® | Read our Chime review

Chase Total Checking

4.2

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.

Chase Total Checking®

Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.²² <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 $500 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 7/16/2025.

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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.

Member FDIC.

Visit Chase Total Checking® | Read our Chase Bank review

Axos Rewards Checking

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 <p>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.</p> 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 funds fees. There are also no maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Plus, Axos will reimburse all domestic ATM fees, which isn't very common and could make the account worth it even if you don't meet requirements for the higher APY.

Member FDIC.

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:

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. While some of the banks and companies here charge these, you can typically waive monthly fees with certain account activities, like direct deposit. 

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.

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 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
• 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.

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Max-Rate Checking - 3.00% Annual Percentage Yield²⁴ <p>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.</p><br> <p class="">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.</p>

No transaction fees and ATM fee refunds worldwide.²⁵ <p>With Max-Rate Checking, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association (“Morgan Stanley Private Bank”) will not charge you a fee for withdrawing funds from any institution’s ATM but the owner/operator of the ATM may charge a fee. In those cases, we will refund ATM fees charged worldwide. For additional information and important details about how the ATM fee refund will be applied, please visit the <a href="https://us.etrade.com/bank/bank-rates">etrade.com/ratesheet</a> for more details.</p> ²⁶ <p class="">Morgan Stanley Private Bank may impose a charge equal to 1% of the transaction amount (including credits and reversals) for non-U.S. currency transactions charged depending on your account type.&nbsp; Refer to the <a href="https://us.etrade.com/l/f/agreement-library/bank-rate-fee-schedule?vanity=rateandfee">etrade.com/rateandfee</a> for more details.</p> FDIC insured up to the applicable limits.²⁷ <p>Deposits held in checking accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000. <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/financial-products-insured">Learn more</a>.</p> Waive the $15 monthly account fee when you maintain an average account balance of $5,000.

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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 of 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 on your spending.
• Overdraft protection: Does the bank offer overdraft protection if you make a payment and your balance dips temporarily?
• Early access to your paycheck: 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.
• 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 prefer mobile banking to in-person, for example, but I don't really care about ATM access or cash rewards. I tend to keep a relatively high balance in my checking account, 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 for you.

FAQs

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 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 <p>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>.</p> and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits¹ <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 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.</p><p>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.&nbsp;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>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² <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 early³ <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 million⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<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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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.

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