Best Online Checking Accounts of 2025
Typically you’ll have better luck looking at online-only banks, though you’ll need to be comfortable banking online. For students, many checking accounts offer no monthly maintenance fees and low checking accounts or no minimum balance requirements, which makes them a great option for those just starting out. Some banks may offer free ATM access or allow students to link their checking account with a savings account to help them build a financial safety net.
Customer service is another positive, though users do complain about a lack of physical branches and occasional difficulty in accessing funds. The Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account earns almost no interest but doesn’t charge many common fees (including for overdrafts, stop payments or foreign transactions). Add in a live chat feature that lets you quickly find information, and this is a great checking account to pair with your brokerage account.
What Are High-Yield Checking Accounts?
Customers have free access to more than 90,000 global ATMs, and nbkc also offers up to $12 per month for reimbursement of out-of-network ATM fees. Since this is an online bank, most folks will need to be comfortable with remote customer service. Betterment scored reasonably well with customers, who gave the robo-advisor high marks for ATM fee reimbursements and the simplicity of setting up an account.
- A savings account enables you to earn interest on your savings, helping your money grow while still giving you easy access to your funds.
- On the savings side, LendingClub has competitive yields on its savings account and CDs.
- These accounts typically offer fee-free banking, robust transaction alerts, and the ability to manage all aspects of your account with ease.
Some banks charge hefty fees if you accidentally spend more than what is in your account, which can result in additional financial stress. Many modern checking accounts offer overdraft protection, either automatically or as an optional feature, which can help you avoid fees by transferring funds from a linked savings account or credit card. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks also offer low-fee accounts with fewer restrictions.
NBKC Bank
Read Bankrate’s expert reviews before deciding where to deposit your money. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. You also can open a Cash Account offered by Atomic Brokerage which allows you to earn interest on your cash through a cash sweep program. Debit card and checkwriting both allow you to make transactions without needing to have cash on hand.
See the table lower down on the page to get an idea of what kinds of features the best checking accounts offer. American Express has particularly strong customer service options, with 24/7 access to representatives via phone, a highly rated mobile app and chat support. Users have a mostly positive opinion of Quontic Bank Cash Rewards Checking, thanks to its cashback rewards and unique features like contactless payment rings. Some did voice concern with the account application process and occasional customer service issues.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
A 3.00% APY on all balances is better than most savings accounts, and there are no fees for overdrafts, stop payments or wire transfers made online. Any ATM fees (even those incurred overseas) are reimbursed, and there are no foreign transaction fees. Users, in general, are neutral on their experience with the Discover Cashback Debit checking account. Many mention the cashback feature and general lack of fees as positives, as well as the bank’s customer service. However, some customers were dissatisfied with the lack of multi-factor authentication and issues with the mobile app more broadly. With no monthly maintenance fee or overdraft fees, along with the buckets features and $10 in monthly reimbursements for ATM charges, the Ally Bank Spending Account helps you manage your finances at a low cost.
How Many Checking Accounts Should You Have?
For instance, Axos Bank Rewards Checking offers up to $300 for new customers who have at least $5,000 in direct deposits within the promotional period. You’ll notice that many of the best bank bonuses require you to do something to qualify for the goodie, usually setting up direct deposit and having a certain amount put into the account. The bank is hoping that by turbocharging your relationship with a handout, and using that account as the hub of your financial life, you’ll be loyal to the bank. Therefore, bonuses are a wonderful extra perk for an account that already made sense to you.
- We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
- If you’re married, you may want to have a personal account and a joint account that you share with your spouse.
- The Chime® Checking Account delivers a mobile-first, fee-free way to manage everyday money.
A checking account is a type of deposit account that’s designed for frequent use. Unlike savings accounts, which are meant for longer-term goals, checking accounts are built for day-to-day spending — think of them as your financial refrigerator, not your wine cellar. ¹ Early access to direct-deposit funds depends on the timing of the payer’s payment-file submission. Funds are usually available the day the file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.² SpotMe® eligibility requirements and limits apply. Overdraft only covers debit-card purchases and cash withdrawals; limits range from $20 to $200. Chime® Checking Account required.³ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter cash-advance fees may apply, except at MoneyPass® ATMs in 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM.
Every article undergoes careful fact-checking by our team of expert writers, editors, and researchers to ensure it’s accurate, up-to-date, and clear. Our content is crafted to give you reliable money tips and tricks that are relevant, relatable, and actionable. A high-yield CD can offer you a guaranteed rate of return on your money, but the trade-off is that you let it stay in the CD for the full term length. If you try to withdraw from a CD too early, you could become subject to a penalty. Banks typically require a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, along with basic details about yourself.
ATM/Cash access
Credit unions, the not-for-profit equivalent of banks, have similar insurance through the National Credit Union Administration. It’s also helpful to check if your bank provides mobile ATM locator tools in their app, allowing you to easily find ATMs that are within the network when you’re on the go. SoFi is a big name in the student loan refinance space, but it’s since grown to offer private student loans, personal loans, mortgage loans, banking, investing, credit cards and insurance.
With so many options to choose from, there’s no need to settle for an account that doesn’t meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to save on fees, earn rewards, or enjoy better access to your funds while traveling, there’s an account out there that can offer exactly what you need. Take the time to evaluate what matters most to you, and you’ll find the perfect fit for managing your day-to-day finances. We live in a time when managing your finances through your phone is not only convenient but necessary. The best checking accounts offer robust mobile banking features that enable you to monitor your transactions, transfer money, pay bills, and even deposit checks—all from your smartphone or computer.