Checking accounts are more essential for everyday transactions than savings accounts, CDs and money market accounts, but they usually come with minimal incentives and insignificant annual percentage yields, or APYs. Still, unlike some savings and money market accounts, checking accounts don’t have transaction limits, so they’re great for tapping into your money when you need it.
Because most of us use a checking account as a hub for recurring payments and bills, finding the right fit is important. Here are accounts we recommend with features like no minimum deposits, competitive annual yields and more.
The best checking accounts
The following checking accounts offer competitive APYs or a significant new account bonus. We selected only checking accounts from banks without monthly fees or that make it easy to waive these charges. The accounts must also have easy accessibility nationwide, whether online-only or at physical branches.
| Bank | Account | APY | Branch access | Overdraft fee | Foreign transaction fee | Monthly fee | Minimum opening deposit |
| Axos | Rewards Checking | Up to 3.30% | No | None | None | $0 | $50 |
| NBKC Bank | Everything Account | 1.50% | Limited (four branches) | None | None | $0 | $0 |
| Quontic | High Interest Checking | Up to 1.10% | No | None | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| SoFi | Checking and Savings | 0.50% | No | None | None | $0 | $0 |
| Schwab Bank | High Yield Investor Checking | 0.45% | No (361 brokerage branches) | None | None | $0 | $0 |
| Laurel Road | Loyalty Checking | 0.01% | No | $20 | None | $0 | $0 |
| Capital One | 360 Checking | 0.10% | Yes | None | None | $0 | $0 |
| Chase | Total Checking | 0% | Yes, 4,700 branches | $34 | 3% | $12 | $0 |
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.40-3.30% depending on usage and other Axos accounts
- Min. deposit to open
- $50
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- $1,500 in monthly direct deposits required to qualify for 0.40% APY
- A minimum of 10 debit card purchases per month required to qualify for 0.30% APY
- A personal loan and investment accounts required to earn the highest APY
- Accepts cash deposits through ATMs
You can earn up to 3.30% APY with Axos Bank’s Rewards Checking account. However, to earn the highest APY, you must meet a handful of requirements. You’ll earn 0.40% for direct deposits totaling $1,500, 0.30% for debit card spending, 1.00% for having $2,500 in a managed portfolio account, 1.00% for having $2,500 in an Axos Self Directed Trading Account and 0.60% for making payments on a loan with your checking account (see here for more details).
Axos provides unlimited reimbursements on non-network ATM fees, which is a plus. This account doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees, and there are no minimum monthly balance requirements.
You can earn a $300 welcome bonus when you open a new Rewards Checking account and have at least $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits each calendar month for the first seven months. You’ll also have to maintain an average daily balance of $7,000 through March 2024 to qualify (see here for more details). You must submit an application for an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account by Dec. 31, 2023.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: Unlimited
In-network ATMs: 91,000 (MoneyPass)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes; $10,000 daily limit; $50,000 monthly limit
Cash deposits: Yes; MoneyPass ATMs and Green Dot Network
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- $1,500 in monthly direct deposits required to qualify for 0.40% APY
- A minimum of 10 debit card purchases per month required to qualify for 0.30% APY
- A personal loan and investment accounts required to earn the highest APY
- Accepts cash deposits through ATMs
You can earn up to 3.30% APY with Axos Bank’s Rewards Checking account. However, to earn the highest APY, you must meet a handful of requirements. You’ll earn 0.40% for direct deposits totaling $1,500, 0.30% for debit card spending, 1.00% for having $2,500 in a managed portfolio account, 1.00% for having $2,500 in an Axos Self Directed Trading Account and 0.60% for making payments on a loan with your checking account (see here for more details).
Axos provides unlimited reimbursements on non-network ATM fees, which is a plus. This account doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees, and there are no minimum monthly balance requirements.
You can earn a $300 welcome bonus when you open a new Rewards Checking account and have at least $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits each calendar month for the first seven months. You’ll also have to maintain an average daily balance of $7,000 through March 2024 to qualify (see here for more details). You must submit an application for an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account by Dec. 31, 2023.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: Unlimited
In-network ATMs: 91,000 (MoneyPass)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes; $10,000 daily limit; $50,000 monthly limit
Cash deposits: Yes; MoneyPass ATMs and Green Dot Network
NBKC Bank
Best fee-free checking account- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 1.50%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- Primarily an online bank, with branches in Kansas City, Missouri
- No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees
- Up to $12 in non-network ATM fee reimbursements per month
- Goal setting and tracking features
NBKC is primarily an online bank with branches limited to Kansas City. It’s interest-bearing Everything checking account earns 1.50% APY, and there’s no minimum balance required to open an account. This account has no overdraft or insufficient funds fees, monthly maintenance fees, non-network ATM fees or foreign transaction fees.
You’ll have access to a network of over 37,000 ATMs with MoneyPass. NBKC will reimburse you up to $12 a month in fees for out-of-network ATMs.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: $12 per month
In-network ATMs: 37,000 (MoneyPass)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: MoneyPass ATMs
- Primarily an online bank, with branches in Kansas City, Missouri
- No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees
- Up to $12 in non-network ATM fee reimbursements per month
- Goal setting and tracking features
NBKC is primarily an online bank with branches limited to Kansas City. It’s interest-bearing Everything checking account earns 1.50% APY, and there’s no minimum balance required to open an account. This account has no overdraft or insufficient funds fees, monthly maintenance fees, non-network ATM fees or foreign transaction fees.
You’ll have access to a network of over 37,000 ATMs with MoneyPass. NBKC will reimburse you up to $12 a month in fees for out-of-network ATMs.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: $12 per month
In-network ATMs: 37,000 (MoneyPass)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: MoneyPass ATMs
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- Up to 1.10%
- Min. deposit to open
- $100
- No minimum balance requirements, overdraft, monthly or non-network ATM fees
- Online-only bank with three checking account options
- 10 debit card transactions of at least $10 per month are required to earn the highest APY
- Contactless wearable payment ring available for all checking accounts
Quontic’s High Interest checking offers the highest APY of its three checking account options: You can earn up to 1.10% APY on balances of up to $150,000 when you complete 10 debit card transactions of $10 or more during a monthly statement cycle. If you can’t make 10 qualifying transactions during the month, the APY drops to 0.01%. This checking account supports Zelle for personal payments and offers mobile check deposits via iOS or Android.
With Quontic’s wearable payment ring, you can access the money in your checking account without carrying around your debit card. Pay Ring transactions count toward the monthly total needed to earn the highest APY and are secured with a four-digit PIN. The Pay Ring is accepted anywhere contactless payments are accepted.
Monthly fee:: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 90,000 (Allpoint)
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
- No minimum balance requirements, overdraft, monthly or non-network ATM fees
- Online-only bank with three checking account options
- 10 debit card transactions of at least $10 per month are required to earn the highest APY
- Contactless wearable payment ring available for all checking accounts
Quontic’s High Interest checking offers the highest APY of its three checking account options: You can earn up to 1.10% APY on balances of up to $150,000 when you complete 10 debit card transactions of $10 or more during a monthly statement cycle. If you can’t make 10 qualifying transactions during the month, the APY drops to 0.01%. This checking account supports Zelle for personal payments and offers mobile check deposits via iOS or Android.
With Quontic’s wearable payment ring, you can access the money in your checking account without carrying around your debit card. Pay Ring transactions count toward the monthly total needed to earn the highest APY and are secured with a four-digit PIN. The Pay Ring is accepted anywhere contactless payments are accepted.
Monthly fee:: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 90,000 (Allpoint)
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.50%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum balance requirements or overdraft fees
- New-account bonus of $50 or $250 depending on direct deposit amount
- Extended deposit insurance up to $2 million
- 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs
SoFi’s checking account automatically comes with a savings account, so you can’t open one without the other. You’ll earn 0.50% APY on your checking account balance and up to 4.40% APY on your savings balance with qualifying direct deposits.
SoFi’s checking account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee or require a minimum deposit. However, SoFi is an online-only bank, so you’ll need to be comfortable managing your account online.
You can earn a new account bonus of $50 or $250 when you set up a monthly direct deposit of $1,000 or more into your account. The promotion is valid through Dec. 31, 2023. You can also receive your paycheck up to two days early when you set up direct deposit.
You can receive up to 15% cash back at local merchants when you pay with your SoFi debit card. The account offers overdraft protection for up to $50 with no additional fees after you set up direct deposits -- but only if you have monthly direct deposits of at least $1,000.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 55,000 (Allpoint)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: Yes ($4.95 fee)
- No monthly fees, minimum balance requirements or overdraft fees
- New-account bonus of $50 or $250 depending on direct deposit amount
- Extended deposit insurance up to $2 million
- 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs
SoFi’s checking account automatically comes with a savings account, so you can’t open one without the other. You’ll earn 0.50% APY on your checking account balance and up to 4.40% APY on your savings balance with qualifying direct deposits.
SoFi’s checking account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee or require a minimum deposit. However, SoFi is an online-only bank, so you’ll need to be comfortable managing your account online.
You can earn a new account bonus of $50 or $250 when you set up a monthly direct deposit of $1,000 or more into your account. The promotion is valid through Dec. 31, 2023. You can also receive your paycheck up to two days early when you set up direct deposit.
You can receive up to 15% cash back at local merchants when you pay with your SoFi debit card. The account offers overdraft protection for up to $50 with no additional fees after you set up direct deposits -- but only if you have monthly direct deposits of at least $1,000.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 55,000 (Allpoint)
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: Yes ($4.95 fee)
Charles Schwab Bank
Best checking account for growing investors- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.45%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- Only-online checking account
- No monthly fees, overdraft fees, minimum balance or spending requirements
- Unlimited rebates of non-network ATM fees
- No cash deposits accepted
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking is a great option for investors looking to combine multiple accounts into one platform. The checking account requires a linked Schwab One brokerage account, which costs nothing and has no balance requirements. Schwab’s checking account allows scheduling automatic transfers to your brokerage account, a simple way for new investors to put extra money to work. It supports Zelle for personal payments and doesn’t charge anything for foreign transactions -- a great bonus for travelers using international ATMs.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: Unlimited
In-network ATMs: Visa/Visa Plus Alliance
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
- Only-online checking account
- No monthly fees, overdraft fees, minimum balance or spending requirements
- Unlimited rebates of non-network ATM fees
- No cash deposits accepted
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking is a great option for investors looking to combine multiple accounts into one platform. The checking account requires a linked Schwab One brokerage account, which costs nothing and has no balance requirements. Schwab’s checking account allows scheduling automatic transfers to your brokerage account, a simple way for new investors to put extra money to work. It supports Zelle for personal payments and doesn’t charge anything for foreign transactions -- a great bonus for travelers using international ATMs.
Monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: Unlimited
In-network ATMs: Visa/Visa Plus Alliance
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
Laurel Road
Best rewards checking account- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.01%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- Online-only checking account
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- No overdraft charges on accounts overdrawn up to $20
- $300 new account bonus with direct deposit of $2,500 or more
- $20 monthly cash reward with qualifying direct deposit for first 12 months
- Doesn’t accept cash deposits at ATMs
Laurel Road is an online-only subsidiary of KeyBank that rewards you for maintaining a checking account. It offers two accounts: Loyalty Checking and Linked Checking. Loyalty Checking rewards your account with a $20 monthly payment in the first 12 months if you have a direct deposit of $2,500 or more per statement cycle. Beyond the first year, you’ll continue to earn $10 per month. Linked Checking provides rate discounts on any student loans refinanced through Laurel Road.
Both the Loyalty Checking account and the Linked Checking account offer a $300 new-account bonus if you make at least $2,500 in direct deposits in the first 60 days. There’s no minimum deposit to open either account and no monthly fees. The 0.01% APY is paltry, but it’s better than nothing.
And with both accounts, you’ll have access to more than 40,000 fee-free ATMs through the KeyBank or Allpoint Networks.
Monthly fee: $0
Overdraft fee: $20 on overdrafts over $20
Requirements to avoid monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: $3 per domestic out-of-network transaction, $5 per international out-of-network transaction
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: None
In-network ATMs: 40,000
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
- Online-only checking account
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- No overdraft charges on accounts overdrawn up to $20
- $300 new account bonus with direct deposit of $2,500 or more
- $20 monthly cash reward with qualifying direct deposit for first 12 months
- Doesn’t accept cash deposits at ATMs
Laurel Road is an online-only subsidiary of KeyBank that rewards you for maintaining a checking account. It offers two accounts: Loyalty Checking and Linked Checking. Loyalty Checking rewards your account with a $20 monthly payment in the first 12 months if you have a direct deposit of $2,500 or more per statement cycle. Beyond the first year, you’ll continue to earn $10 per month. Linked Checking provides rate discounts on any student loans refinanced through Laurel Road.
Both the Loyalty Checking account and the Linked Checking account offer a $300 new-account bonus if you make at least $2,500 in direct deposits in the first 60 days. There’s no minimum deposit to open either account and no monthly fees. The 0.01% APY is paltry, but it’s better than nothing.
And with both accounts, you’ll have access to more than 40,000 fee-free ATMs through the KeyBank or Allpoint Networks.
Monthly fee: $0
Overdraft fee: $20 on overdrafts over $20
Requirements to avoid monthly fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: $3 per domestic out-of-network transaction, $5 per international out-of-network transaction
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: None
In-network ATMs: 40,000
Direct deposit funds available early: No
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: No
Capital One Bank
Best online checking account with in-person banking options- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.10%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- Online and in-person checking account access
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum deposits
- No overdraft fees on transactions that Capital One accepts
Capital One’s 360 Checking account doesn’t have a minimum deposit or monthly maintenance fee. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to two days earlier and deposit cash to your account at CVS locations. If you overdraw your account, you can transfer funds from your savings account. Capital One also can decline the transaction but will not charge overdraft fees on approved transactions. You’ll also earn 0.10% on your balance less than $100,000. Capital One also has many cafes and branches for in-person banking access, but you can also manage your account online or via the app.
Overdraft fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 70,000
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: Yes
- Online and in-person checking account access
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum deposits
- No overdraft fees on transactions that Capital One accepts
Capital One’s 360 Checking account doesn’t have a minimum deposit or monthly maintenance fee. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to two days earlier and deposit cash to your account at CVS locations. If you overdraw your account, you can transfer funds from your savings account. Capital One also can decline the transaction but will not charge overdraft fees on approved transactions. You’ll also earn 0.10% on your balance less than $100,000. Capital One also has many cafes and branches for in-person banking access, but you can also manage your account online or via the app.
Overdraft fee: None
Out-of-network ATM fees: None
Out-of-network ATM reimbursements: No
In-network ATMs: 70,000
Direct deposit funds available early: Yes
Mobile check deposit: Yes
Cash deposits: Yes
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- 4,800 branches available nationwide, excluding North Dakota and West Virginia
- $200 new-account bonus with direct deposit
- No minimum deposit required
- No overdraft fees charged on accounts overdrawn by $50 or less
- $12 monthly service fee, but can be waived
Chase has more than 4,700 offices in 48 states. Its Total Checking account does charge a $12 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you meet the requirements. And its overdraft fee is waived if your account is overdrawn by $50 or less, or if your account is overdrawn by more than $50 but you deposit money to bring your balance up so that it’s overdrawn by $50 or less by the end of the next business day. However, Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 (maximum of three fees per business day). Unlike other checking accounts on our list, you won’t earn interest, but you can earn up to $200 as a welcome bonus.
If you prefer access to in-person banking services with plenty of branch locations, a big bank like Chase may be worth considering. Compared with our best checking accounts, you won’t earn a competitive APY on your money. But the convenience of this checking account may outweigh some of these benefits. Just watch out for monthly service and overdraft fees.
Note: We chose Chase over other big banks for this list since it offers a large number of branches across the country and has a $50 overdraft fee buffer. While PNC has a lower monthly fee for its checking account, the bank’s slightly higher overdraft fee and fewer national branch locations held it back from making this list. And though Wells Fargo has a similar number of branches and a lower monthly fee, it doesn’t have the $50 buffer for overdraft fees that Chase offers. However, if you live near a Capital One branch and want to bank in-person, you may want to consider Capital One’s free checking account over Chase.
- 4,800 branches available nationwide, excluding North Dakota and West Virginia
- $200 new-account bonus with direct deposit
- No minimum deposit required
- No overdraft fees charged on accounts overdrawn by $50 or less
- $12 monthly service fee, but can be waived
Chase has more than 4,700 offices in 48 states. Its Total Checking account does charge a $12 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you meet the requirements. And its overdraft fee is waived if your account is overdrawn by $50 or less, or if your account is overdrawn by more than $50 but you deposit money to bring your balance up so that it’s overdrawn by $50 or less by the end of the next business day. However, Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 (maximum of three fees per business day). Unlike other checking accounts on our list, you won’t earn interest, but you can earn up to $200 as a welcome bonus.
If you prefer access to in-person banking services with plenty of branch locations, a big bank like Chase may be worth considering. Compared with our best checking accounts, you won’t earn a competitive APY on your money. But the convenience of this checking account may outweigh some of these benefits. Just watch out for monthly service and overdraft fees.
Note: We chose Chase over other big banks for this list since it offers a large number of branches across the country and has a $50 overdraft fee buffer. While PNC has a lower monthly fee for its checking account, the bank’s slightly higher overdraft fee and fewer national branch locations held it back from making this list. And though Wells Fargo has a similar number of branches and a lower monthly fee, it doesn’t have the $50 buffer for overdraft fees that Chase offers. However, if you live near a Capital One branch and want to bank in-person, you may want to consider Capital One’s free checking account over Chase.
How to choose the best checking account
Before selecting a checking account, it’s best to familiarize yourself with all the fees a bank charges for its products and services. Even if it’s called a “free checking account,” that might not be true. You don’t want to get hit with a $4 fee for making an ATM withdrawal at the wrong machine
To maximize any rewards and perks as a new checking account holder, look for any interest-earning opportunities that can help you earn more money or get rewards for everyday purchases. Some banks make you jump through hoops to qualify for a higher APY or a welcome bonus, so keep an eye out for any requirements.
Though a 1% cash-back account could be moderately lucrative, this type of account may require you to hit a monthly spending threshold or maintain a certain minimum balance. If you tend to maintain a high account balance in your checking account, consider putting some of that cash into a savings account, CD or money market with a higher APY.
What to look for in a checking account
Before you commit to a new checking account, consider the following:
- APY: The annual percentage yield is the interest rate you earn on your deposit over a year, which includes compounded interest.
- Minimum balance: The minimum amount you’re required to deposit when opening the account and the minimum amount required to avoid monthly service fees.
- ATM fees: These are charges an account holder may incur to access money through an ATM. Some banks and credit unions participate in a network of surcharge-free ATMs and provide locators to find the nearest free ATM.
- Monthly fees: These are regular charges applied to an account. Sometimes the fees are imposed if balances fall below a certain threshold. Many free checking accounts don’t charge any fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: These fees are charged by the bank when you use your debit card to make a purchase outside the US or use a foreign ATM network. If you often travel internationally, foreign transaction fees can add up quickly. However, not every bank charges a foreign transaction fee when you use your debit card overseas.
- Overdraft fees: Fees charged if a purchase exceeds the available balance in the account.
- Welcome bonus: Some banks offer a monetary incentive to open a new account. These cash bonuses (some up to $300) attract new customers but require you to meet certain criteria, such as a minimum amount of direct deposits.
- Debit card: Most checking accounts come with a debit card that lets you make electronic purchases and deposit and withdraw money from ATMs. However, the limit is the balance available in the checking account. Overspending can lead to overdraft fees.
Which is better: An online or brick-and-mortar checking account?
Deciding between a checking account with physical branches or an online-only bank depends on which banking features you value most. Many big banks that operate physical branches don’t offer competitive rates on checking accounts, but most have an attractive bank bonus for new accounts.
You can open an online checking account from anywhere. Most online-only options offer higher yields on deposit accounts because they have fewer overhead costs required to run physical branches. Still, they lack the in-person customer service option. In either case, compare all fees associated with the checking account and the minimum balances required to determine the option that best suits your needs.
The difference between a checking and savings account
Checking accounts are designed to manage daily transactions, such as paying monthly bills, routine purchases and entertainment expenses. Since money is regularly withdrawn and deposited into the account, banks usually offer a debit card for transactions but don’t offer as high of an APY as savings accounts.
A savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account you can use to set aside money you don’t need access to immediately. Generally, the money in a savings account is for unexpected emergencies or longer-term savings goals like a down payment on a home or a vacation. While checking accounts are transactional and require everyday access, a savings account typically limits how many monthly withdrawals or transactions you can make. Savings accounts cannot have more than six transfers or withdrawals per month, according to the Federal Reserve. Even though the rule was lifted in 2020, some banks still maintain the limit.
Do I need a checking account to manage my money?
Not always, but it can be difficult to pay bills or get approved for credit accounts without one. It may be helpful to think of a checking account as one part of a multifaceted personal financial system.
Though it may require some management on your end, there are benefits to using an array of tools, each serving a primary function. For example, you might use your checking account to manage cash flow and pay bills. But a credit card for spending (and earning rewards or cash-back incentives) and a savings account for storing short-term savings or an emergency fund -- with investment and brokerage accounts driving long-term savings goals such as paying for college and retirement.
How to open a checking account
Opening a checking account is a straightforward process. It’s the same whether you’re opening an account online or in person at a physical branch.
- Fill out an application. Many financial institutions allow you to complete the application process online. A customer service representative may take the information and complete the application for you if you visit a physical branch to open an account. You’ll need to provide personal information and a government-issued ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or passport. It’s important to note that some banks open your account immediately, or it can take a few days.
- Fund your account. Deposit at least the required minimum amount to fund your account.
The bottom line
A checking account should make it easy to manage your daily financial activities. However, not all checking accounts are the same. If you’re in the market for a new checking account, pay close attention to the fine print. Small fees add up over time and diminish your money’s growth potential.
FAQs
No. Some banks may pass off fees as the normal costs of doing business, but with all of the free checking options available, you should avoid fee-heavy accounts. There are plenty of free checking options that will give you the tools you need to receive income and make payments, in addition to other benefits.
For most people, the answer is one. Even if you can earn a little extra money by combining rewards or interest, it’s usually not worth the time and hassle. Your personal checking account should be simple and easy to manage and should offer overdraft protection and mobile banking. If you run a business, you should look into opening a separate business checking account, which is different from a standard checking account.
An increasing number of financial institutions are online-only (like some of the banks profiled above), without their own branches or ATM networks. Given this, an online bank will partner with established networks like MoneyPass or Allpoint, which place ATM locations in popular retail establishments such as pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores. People with an online checking account can use a “Find a nearby ATM” feature on their bank’s website or mobile app before making an ATM withdrawal to insure they won’t incur an ATM fee if their financial institution doesn’t offer ATM fee rebates.
First, you’ll need to transfer any existing balances to a new account. Next, contact your bank to determine the process required to close the account. Before you close your existing account, make sure it has been opened long enough to avoid any fees for early closure, especially if you received any new account bonuses.
The cost varies based on the minimum deposit required to open an account. The financial institutions on our list have minimum deposit requirements ranging from zero to $100. An account may also have minimum balance requirements to maintain once the account is opened. Be aware of any fees charged if your balance falls below a minimum amount before establishing a new account. If so, you should consider accounts that don’t charge monthly fees.
Overdraft protection is a service banks and credit unions offer to cover the cost of transactions exceeding an account’s available balance. Banks can charge a monthly or per-transaction fee for this service. Some banks that offer no-fee checking accounts will include overdraft protection at no additional cost. Others waive one overdraft fee per year as a standard overdraft policy.
An overdraft protection service can be valuable as the average overdraft fee of nearly $30 per transaction can add up quickly.
Methodology
More than two dozen options were examined across a broad range of categories in both traditional and online-only banks, credit unions, and neobanks in order to determine these picks for the best checking account. As with any financial account, a handful of key features rise above the rest: ATM and branch availability, overdraft protection, fees, bank bonus enticements and reimbursements, minimum deposit requirements, and just how simple it is to move money in and out of an account -- whether by direct deposit, mobile deposit or old-school cash deposit.
Each financial institution’s online banking capabilities were taken into consideration. We also looked at some new, trendy features, such as whether a financial institution makes funds available a few days early to customers who’ve signed up to receive their paycheck via direct deposit.
The banks, credit unions and neobanks we reviewed include: LendingClub Rewards Checking, NBKC Bank Everything Account, Chase Total Checking®, Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking, Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking, Chime Spending Account, Axos Essential Checking, Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking, Simple Simple Account, CIT Bank eChecking, Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking, Discover Cashback Debit, Capital One 360 Checking, Aspiration, PNC Virtual Wallet with performance spend, Betterment, Fidelity Cash Management Account, HSBC Choice Checking, TD Checking, Current Bank, Varo Checking Account, Wealthfront Cash Account, Novo, BlueVine Business Checking, Ally Bank and SoFi.
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