Traditional checking accounts are convenient. They offer a simple way to receive, store, and spend your money. But what if you could sweeten the pot and earn a little extra through your checking account? With rewards and cash back checking accounts, you can.
Rewards checking accounts earn cash back and/or interest through your checking account, much like you could with a credit card or savings account, respectively. They vary in their terms, features, and earning potential, but they all tend to be more rewarding than the average bank account. If you're considering upgrading to this type of account, and we think you should, make sure you look at cashback rates, fees, ATM access, and any interest rates offered before deciding.
How we evaluate products
To choose the best rewards checking accounts, I looked at these features.
- Cashback rate/limits: Accounts were evaluated based on their cashback rate and earning limits.
- Annual percentage yield (APY): In lieu or alongside of a cashback offer, some accounts were selected based on APY rate.
- Account fees: Accounts needed to have no or low associated fees.
- ATM access: Accounts were evaluated based on ease of access to cash through ATM withdrawals.
Featured rewards checking accounts
2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
2025 award winner Best for Large Deposits
Best rewards checking accounts compared
Checking account | Best for | Rewards rate |
![]() Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus |
Recurring expenses |
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Discover Cashback Debit account* | Debit card use |
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![]() SoFi Checking and Savings |
Saving more | Up to 3.80% APY7 <p class="">The product and annual percentage yield (APY) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your area. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account.<br></p> on savings balances with qualified direct deposit 0.50% (as of 01/24/25) APY on checking balances8 <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> |
![]() Wealthfront Cash Account |
Earning an APY |
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![]() LendingClub Rewards Checking |
Earning interest and cash back |
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![]() Quontic Cash Rewards Checking |
Low opening deposits |
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*Details about Discover® Cashback Debit have been collected by FinanceBuzz editors. This information is accurate as of the date of the review and was not reviewed or approved by the issuer. FinanceBuzz does not receive commission for this product.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
2025 award winner Best for Rewards
- APY: N/A
- Cash back: Up to 2% cash back on convenience and drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, and utilities (maximum $500 in 2% rewards per calendar year) with monthly $1,000 direct deposit; unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible debit purchases
What sets the Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account apart from the others on this list is the opportunity to earn up to 2% cash back on debit card purchases. However, that elevated rate comes with some caveats.
For one, you can only earn that rate at certain merchants, namely drug/convenience stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, and utilities. Then, you only get that rate until you earn $500 worth of 2% cashback rewards; you won't be able to get that rate again until the next calendar year. And what's more, you're required to make a direct deposit of at least $1,000 monthly to get that elevated earn rate.
All that being said, it is a nice little extra bump, and you don't always see utilities and other recurring expenses included in rewards earning. You'll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible debit purchases otherwise, so that puts this account largely in line with many others on this list. The 2% cash back gives it just a slight advantage for those who know they'll spend at least $25,000 in the account's bonus categories.
- Higher cashback rate than most rewards checking accounts
- Get early access to paychecks with direct deposit
- Decent ATM network with fee-free withdrawals at 55,000+ locations
- Required minimum monthly direct deposit to qualify for elevated cashback rate
- 2% elevated cashback rate cuts off after $500 in spending each year
- No interest earned on account balance
Visit Upgrade | Learn more in our Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus review
Discover Cashback Debit account
- APY: N/A
- Cash back: Earn 1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
This rewards checking account from Discover is about as clear-cut as they come. Earn a set 1.00% cash back on your debit purchases every month, up to $3,000 in spending. If you can't get or don't want to use a cash back credit card, this account's cashback rate gets you close to what you'd earn with one.
The Discover Cashback Debit account may be a good fit if you know you'll use your debit card for $3,000 worth of spending every month, though not much more than that as you'll stop earning cash back once you reach that threshold. At that point, it might be wise to start spending on a different rewards-earning card.
Beyond a handful of corporate offices and customer care centers, Discover has just one physical branch location (in Delaware). So, if you value face-to-face interaction or like to make deposits with a teller, this isn't the account for you. However, you will have access to more than 60,000 ATMs that won't require you to pay a fee to withdraw cash. This option also made our list of bank accounts with no credit check required to open, in case you're working on your credit and looking to avoid this.
- Consistent cashback rate on debit card purchases
- FDIC insured
- Fee-free access to 60,000+ ATMs
- Cashback rewards limited to first $3,000 in debit card purchases monthly
- No interest earned on your account balance
- Almost no brick-and-mortar locations
Learn more in our Discover Cashback Debit review
SoFi Checking and Savings
2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
- APY: Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings balances with qualified direct deposit and 0.50% (as of 01/24/25) APY on checking balances
- Cash back: Doesn't earn cash back on debit card purchases
If you're looking for a rewards checking account, odds are good that you're probably trying to save more. And for doing both, SoFi Checking and Savings is tough to beat. This hybrid account, which combines checking and savings features into one interest-bearing account, offers some of the highest rates available on both checking and savings balances. It has no monthly maintenance fees and few banking fees, so you won't throw your money away on unnecessary charges.10 <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>
And unlike if you were to earn interest on your balance with a standalone rewards checking account, such as the Wealthfront Cash Account, you don't have to then transfer your cash over to a savings account to maximize your earnings. You can keep it all in one place with SoFi®, which makes your life easier and probably means you can save more, since you won't have to remember to send your money to a high-yield savings account once your balance reaches a certain amount.
One of the main caveats with this account is the direct deposit requirement.8 <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> To qualify for the best rates, you have to link your direct deposit.
SoFi Bank, N.A. is a Member, FDIC3 <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>
- Fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs11 <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>
- Allows cash deposits
- No-fee overdraft coverage up to $50 when you have at least $1,000 in monthly direct deposits12 <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. 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.</p>
- Qualified direct deposit required to earn highest APYs
- No other banking accounts with SoFi
Visit SoFi | Learn more in our SoFi Checking and Savings review.
Wealthfront Cash Account
2025 award winner Best for Large Deposits
- APY: Earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on deposits
- Cash back: N/A
The Wealthfront Cash Account functions as a place to park money you don't want to invest in a volatile market. It's more akin to a high-yield savings account than a checking account, but it comes with a debit card, bill pay, direct deposit, and checking features, as well as ATM access like a standard checking account.
It has a notably high APY of 4.00%, though that is subject to change, as Wealthfront's rate tracks the federal funds rate. This APY makes the Wealthfront Cash Account a worthwhile consideration for anyone interested in a rewards-like setup who's not sure they'll do enough debit card spending to make a cashback checking account worthwhile.
Essentially, all you have to do is let your money sit in the account and it will earn an impressive return, similar to earning cashback rewards. But if you need to use that cash, you can access it easily via ATM, check, or your Wealthfront Visa Debit Card.
- Earn APY on deposits
- No minimum or maximum balance for earning APY
- FDIC insured despite not being a traditional bank
- No way to earn cash back on debit purchases
- Limited fee-free ATM access
Visit Wealthfront | Learn more in our Wealthfront Cash Account review
Another great option from a brokerage
LendingClub Rewards Checking
- APY: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on qualifying purchases
- Cash back: Earn 0.10% (as of 4/21/25) APY on balances between $2,500 and $99,999.99 and 1.00% (as of 7/22/25) on balances $100,000 and above
LendingClub's rewards checking account is an interesting prospect because it earns both cash back on spending and an APY on your account balance. Granted, at up to just 1.00% (as of 7/22/25), the APY isn't terribly impressive. The federal rate sits at 0.38% (as of 7/21/25).
Even then, to get that maximum APY you need to have at least $100,000 in your account. If you have between $2,500 and $99,999.99, you'll only earn 0.10% (as of 4/21/25) APY. But any interest is good interest. If you plan on keeping enough in your account to meet that minimum APY threshold, that little extra earning on top of the account's unlimited 1% cash back on debit card purchases could make this account the right choice for you.
Another feature that really sets this account apart is its unlimited rebates on ATM fees. If you plan to withdraw cash from ATMs with frequency, you'll save a lot in fees and consequently have a great deal of flexibility in ATM access with this account.
- Earn 0.10% (as of 4/21/25) APY on balances between $2,500 and $99,999.99, 1.00% (as of 7/22/25) after that
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates
- No overdraft fees
- High thresholds for earning APY
- APY rate isn't comparable to other interest-bearing checking accounts
Learn more in our LendingClub Rewards Checking review
Quontic Cash Rewards Checking
- APY: N/A
- Cash back: 1% cash back on all eligible debit card purchases; $50 cash back limit per statement cycle (from qualifying purchases)
With Quontic, we've got another 1% cashback rewards checking account. The low $100 minimum opening deposit makes the Quontic Cash Rewards Checking account readily accessible — just open online through Quontic's site, and you'll be on your way.
Cashback rewards for debit card spending are deposited into your account at the start of each statement cycle but are limited to $50 per cycle. That means you won't earn rewards on any spending above $5,000 in a given statement cycle.
There's not much else to write home about when it comes to this account, but you will have fee-free access to 90,000 ATMs with many located in popular retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger.
- Earn 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases
- Minimum $100 deposit to open account
- Expansive fee-free ATM network of 90,000 locations
- Doesn't earn interest on deposits, unlike Quontic's High Interest Checking account
- $50 monthly limit on cashback earnings
- No physical branch locations beyond loan production offices
Learn more in our Quontic Bank review
How to choose the right rewards checking account
Choosing a rewards checking account might seem tough given how little distinguishes one account from another.
First and foremost, decide if a rewards checking account is even the right type of rewards-earning approach for your spending habits. If you've already put a lot of effort into earning credit card rewards and intend to continue doing so, there may not be much of a point to opening a rewards checking account over a different type of checking account — potentially one that earns an APY instead.
If you decide that, yes, you do want to earn rewards on your checking account activity, then decide which checking product has terms that will align with your rewards goals. For example, if you're a frequent debit card user, choose an account offering a cashback rate that will optimize your money-spent to rewards-earned ratio. Get as high a rate as you can find on the type and amount of spending you know you'll be doing on a regular basis.
If you don't like doing your shopping with a debit card — perhaps because you're racking up those credit card points I mentioned — it may be a better call to choose a checking account that earns interest (APY) on your account balance rather than your spending.
Bottom line
Rewards aren't limited to credit cards. Setting yourself up with a way to earn on your checking account — whether through cash back or interest — can be a nice way to pad your pockets with minimal effort on your part beyond doing a little spending. Heck, with an interest-earning account, you can just let your money sit.
But whether you would benefit from a rewards checking account depends on how you use your checking. If you're a frequent debit card user, go for it. That cash back is yours for the taking. If you prefer to spend on credit, you might get less value from your rewards checking account, so consider an interest-bearing checking account with a good rate instead.