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APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.
While online checking accounts boast most of the same features as brick-and- mortar banks, they typically offer low minimum balance requirements and an accessibility you just can't get elsewhere.
After reviewing over 100 banks, here are our top picks for the best online checking accounts.
Our team of experts assessed 100+ banking institutions
We evaluate all banking institutions across the same 4 key criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks
Our bank ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0%
Min. to earn: N/A
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rate info
You can earn the maximum savings APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. to earn: $0
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
¹ 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 Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.00% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% 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 12/3/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
² SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
³ 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 sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance 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 $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms
See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
⁵ 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.
⁶ 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.
⁷ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with 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.
SoFi disclosure:
¹ 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 Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.00% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% 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 12/3/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
² SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
³ 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 sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance 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 $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms
See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
⁵ 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.
⁶ 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.
⁷ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with 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.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
10 debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle required to earn the maximum APY. If the qualifying activity requirement is not fulfilled, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.01% APY.
10 debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle required to earn the maximum APY. If the qualifying activity requirement is not fulfilled, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.01% APY.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rate info
To earn the full APY, account holders must do all of the following: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling more than $1,500; make 10 transactions a month with your Axos debit card, or sign up for Axos's Personal Finance Manager; maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account; and use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer mortgage, personal, or auto loan payment.
Min. to earn: Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the promotional offer "RC500," an application for a Rewards Checking account must be submitted between 06/20/2024 at 12:00 am PT and 07/31/24 at 11:59 pm PT.
Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After initial requirements above are met, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
Rewards Checking bonus up to $500: You must be approved for your new Rewards Checking account and fund it within 60 days of account opening. An incentive of up to $500 can be earned during the first six (6) statement cycles, starting in the statement cycle thirty (30) days after the account is opened. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of at least one day your account was open during that month. You can earn a maximum of five (5) payouts during the six (6) statement cycles, and the incentive will be deposited into the qualifying account within 15 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the requirements were met.
$100 will be earned for each statement cycle, up to $500, when you meet two requirements during that statement cycle: 1) your Rewards Checking account receives qualifying direct deposits at least $1,500.00 in total, and 2) the average daily balance in your Rewards Checking account is at least $3,000.
Your Rewards Checking account must remain open and in good standing at the time the incentive is paid to be eligible.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account.
Rewards Checking disclosure:
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the promotional offer "RC500," an application for a Rewards Checking account must be submitted between 06/20/2024 at 12:00 am PT and 07/31/24 at 11:59 pm PT.
Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After initial requirements above are met, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
Rewards Checking bonus up to $500: You must be approved for your new Rewards Checking account and fund it within 60 days of account opening. An incentive of up to $500 can be earned during the first six (6) statement cycles, starting in the statement cycle thirty (30) days after the account is opened. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of at least one day your account was open during that month. You can earn a maximum of five (5) payouts during the six (6) statement cycles, and the incentive will be deposited into the qualifying account within 15 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the requirements were met.
$100 will be earned for each statement cycle, up to $500, when you meet two requirements during that statement cycle: 1) your Rewards Checking account receives qualifying direct deposits at least $1,500.00 in total, and 2) the average daily balance in your Rewards Checking account is at least $3,000.
Your Rewards Checking account must remain open and in good standing at the time the incentive is paid to be eligible.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0.25%
Min. to earn: $1
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
up to 0.25%
Min. to earn: $1
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0.10%
Min. to earn: $0
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
up to 0.15%
Rate info
Balances of $0 to $2,499.99 earn 0% APY, balances of $2,500 to $99,999.99 earn 0.10% APY, and balances of $100,000 and greater earn 0.15% APY.
Min. to earn: $2,500
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0.20%
Min. to earn: $0.01
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
At Motley Fool Money, we rate checking accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all checking accounts across four main criteria: brand and reputation, APY and rewards, fees and minimum requirements, and perks.
Our scores are weighted as:
Brand and reputation: 40%
APY and rewards: 30%
Fees and minimums: 15%
Other perks: 15%
Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Discover is best known for its credit cards, but it is also a full-service online-only bank. Customers earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. While it has no physical locations, it has over 60,000 fee-free ATM locations.
In addition, there are no minimum deposit and balance requirements, and no monthly fees. Customers who sign up for the optional overdraft protection will not be charged non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. The bank offers no APY. Discover also offers early pay that gives you access to direct deposit funds up to two days early.
Discover offers free Online Privacy Protection through the mobile app. Every 90 days Discover will scan at least 10 people-search sites for your online personal information and help you submit opt-out requests.
Why we think this is the best online checking account for earning cash back: Cash back rewards are common in the world of credit cards, but not for debit transactions. With the Discover® Cashback Debit, you can earn 1% cash back on purchases up to $3,000 every month.
What to consider before opening an account: Though there's a network of about 60,000 fee-free ATMs, you won't get reimbursed for out-of-network ATM fees. Also, you won’t earn interest on your balance.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0.50%
Rate info
You can earn the maximum savings APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. To Earn APY
$0
Competitive APY
FDIC insured (up to $2M with opt-in to SoFi Insured Deposit Program)⁴
Welcome bonus up to $300¹
No monthly service or overdraft fees³
Early access to direct deposits⁶
Savings and investing tools
Wide range of financial products
Cash back on debit card purchases at select retailers
Combo account only; no stand-alone savings or checking
Overdraft protection⁷ tied to monthly deposit minimum
No local branches or in-person support
With no fees or minimums³ and tools designed to maximize your savings, the combo account is a good fit for individuals who want to do most of their banking in one place online. SoFi also has a wide range of financial products. The account offers flexibility to access or move funds, especially if your employer's payroll system allows you to access the bank's early direct deposit benefit.
SoFi disclosure:
¹ 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 Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.00% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% 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 12/3/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
² SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
³ 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 sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance 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 $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms
See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
⁵ 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.
⁶ 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.
⁷ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with 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.
Why we think this is the best online combined checking and savings account: The account is a top choice if you want the convenience of handling your checking and savings needs with a single account. You can create up to 20 savings "vaults" so you can put your money toward different goals.
What to consider before opening an account: You won't be able to open separate checking and savings accounts. And getting access to overdraft protection requires you to direct deposit a minimum of $1,000 per month.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
One of the highest APY for CDs and savings account
No monthly fees, overdraft, or NSF fees
Comes with a debit card
Large fee-free ATM network
Quontic Pay Ring: the nation's first wearable payment ring
Must meet monthly transaction requirements to earn higher interest tier
Limited CD terms
No physical branches
Quontic is an online bank. While it has only one physical location in Astoria, New York, it has over 90,000 fee-free ATM locations. In addition, there are no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft, or NSF fees. Money orders and cashier's checks are also free. There is a minimum of $100 to open an account.
Quontic Checking Account Customers can use the Quontic Pay Ring, the nation's first wearable payment ring. While wearing the ring, customers can make contactless purchases with a simple tap of their hand.
The bank offers a high APY for those who meet requirements for the APY tiers.
10 debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle required to earn the maximum APY. If the qualifying activity requirement is not fulfilled, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.01% APY.
Why we think this is the best online checking account for earning interest: It's rare to earn any interest on money you have sitting in a checking account, but Quontic High Interest Checking offers a solid APY on checking balances -- and you can start earning APY with as little as $1 deposited.
What to consider before opening an account: You'll need to have at least 10 point-of-sale transactions of at least $10 per month each billing cycle to earn the highest APY. Also, a $100 opening deposit is required.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
0.40% (up to 3.30%)
Rate info
To earn the full APY, account holders must do all of the following: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling more than $1,500; make 10 transactions a month with your Axos debit card, or sign up for Axos's Personal Finance Manager; maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account; and use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer mortgage, personal, or auto loan payment.
Min. To Earn APY
Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500
High checking account APY
Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
No monthly maintenance, NSF, or overdraft fees
No monthly balance requirements
Cash back checking option
Must meet certain requirements to earn the highest interest tier
Low savings and CD APYs compared to competitors
Axos is an online-only bank and offers one of the highest APYs we've found. To earn the high APY, however, customers need to meet certain requirements, such as opening multiple investment and loan accounts.
Axos also offers unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements. In addition, there are no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft, or NSF fees. Axos provides a complimentary debit card and offers a number of digital tools to help customers manage their money. Axos has a minimum deposit requirement of $50, but there is no minimum balance requirement to earn interest.
Rewards Checking disclosure:
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the promotional offer "RC500," an application for a Rewards Checking account must be submitted between 06/20/2024 at 12:00 am PT and 07/31/24 at 11:59 pm PT.
Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After initial requirements above are met, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
Rewards Checking bonus up to $500: You must be approved for your new Rewards Checking account and fund it within 60 days of account opening. An incentive of up to $500 can be earned during the first six (6) statement cycles, starting in the statement cycle thirty (30) days after the account is opened. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of at least one day your account was open during that month. You can earn a maximum of five (5) payouts during the six (6) statement cycles, and the incentive will be deposited into the qualifying account within 15 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the requirements were met.
$100 will be earned for each statement cycle, up to $500, when you meet two requirements during that statement cycle: 1) your Rewards Checking account receives qualifying direct deposits at least $1,500.00 in total, and 2) the average daily balance in your Rewards Checking account is at least $3,000.
Your Rewards Checking account must remain open and in good standing at the time the incentive is paid to be eligible.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account.
Our pick for: High APY potential
Why we think this is the best online checking account for high APY potential: Axos Bank Rewards Checking offers a tiered APY system. The account offers the potential to earn some of the best APYs available if you meet certain criteria.
What to consider before opening an account: You'll need to use other Axos products, like an Axos Managed Portfolios Account and an Axos Self Directed Trading Account, to get the best APY. You also won't earn APY on balances above $50,000.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
No monthly fees, overdraft fees, and no monthly minimum balance requirements
No physical branches
Higher APY available at other financial institutions
Need to meet certain requirements to receive the dividend
Alliant is an online-only credit union based out of Chicago; however, anyone can qualify for membership. Alliant has over 80,000 fee-free ATM locations. There are no monthly service or overdraft fees. In addition, there are no minimum deposit and balance requirements.
The APY is not as high as what's offered by other banks and in order to qualify for it, you have to opt-in for paperless statements and have at least one recurring direct deposit.
Alliant also reimburses ATM fees up to $20 per month.
Alliant has a robust mobile app and online presence. Members can deposit checks using the app, make payments, and manage their accounts. Alliant's mobile app and website has a built-in budgeting tool to set financial goals.
Our pick for: Credit union accounts
Why we think this is the best online savings account for credit union accounts: Some people prefer banking at a credit union because they're member-owned and tend to have lower fees and interest rates. Alliant High-Rate Checking is an interest-bearing checking account that's available through an online credit union that anyone can join.
What to consider before opening an account: You'll need to join Alliant Credit Union to open an account. Alliant will reimburse up to $20 in ATM fees each month, but you could pay fees for additional withdrawals.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Higher APY available at other financial institutions
No physical locations
No cash deposits
Ally is an online-only bank with a top-rated mobile app. While it has no physical locations, it has over 43,000 fee-free Allpoint ATM locations. The Ally Spending Account, formerly known as Ally High Interest Checking, reimburses ATM fees up to $10 per statement cycle.
In addition, there are no minimum deposit and balance requirements, and there are no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. There are also no fees for standard or expedited ACH transfers or official/cashier's checks. However, Ally's APY is low compared to other high-yield checking accounts.
Ally offers customer protection against accidental overspending with a double line of defense through its Overdraft Transfer Service and CoverDraft service. Customers can get paid up to two days sooner with early direct deposit. Ally also offers free standard and official checks, as well as free domestic and international wire transfers. The bank offers higher-than-average APY on all balances.
Our pick for: No fees or minimums
Why we think this is the best online checking account for no fees or minimums: The Ally Spending Account has no fees, access to over 75,000 no-fee ATMs, and access to your paycheck up to two days early if you opt for direct deposit. You also get free checks and domestic and international wire transfers.
What to consider before opening an account: You can't deposit cash into the account. Ally will reimburse up to $10 in monthly out-of-network ATM fees, but fees may apply to additional withdrawals.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Higher APY available at other financial institutions
Capital One boasts a top-rated mobile app and has over 70,000 fee-free Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATM locations. For those looking for face-to-face interaction, Capital One has over 450 locations and 50 Capital One Cafes, where customers can bank, get a cup of coffee, and ask for advice from a certified money coach.
However the APY is lower than other online banks. Customers can add cash to their 360 Checking Account at any CVS location and get access to their money up to two days sooner with early paycheck.
In addition, there are no minimum deposit and balance requirements, no foreign transaction fees, and no overdraft fees.
Our pick for: Brick-and-mortar access
Why we think this is the best online checking account for brick-and-mortar access: Though Capital One is primarily an online institution, it has in-person branches, as well as Capital One Cafes. You can also access a network of 70,000 fee-free ATMs and add money to your checking account at Walgreens and CVS locations.
What to consider before opening an account: Though the Capital One 360 Checking account earns APY, it's fairly minimal. Also, there's no reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
up to 0.15%
Rate info
Balances of $0 to $2,499.99 earn 0% APY, balances of $2,500 to $99,999.99 earn 0.10% APY, and balances of $100,000 and greater earn 0.15% APY.
Min. To Earn APY
$2,500
Unlimited cash back on debit card purchases
Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide
Get your paycheck up to two days early
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
Low balances won't earn interest
Most customers won't qualify for the highest APY
Higher APY available at other financial institutions
Must have at least $2,500 to earn cash back rewards
LendingClub Rewards Checking is an online-only bank. While it has no physical locations, it offers unlimited domestic and worldwide ATM reimbursements. In addition, there are no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft, or NSF fees. LendingClub Rewards Checking offers 1% cash back on debit card purchases.
The APY is lower than other online-banks and to qualify for the highest interest tier, there is a minimum balance requirement of $100,000.
Our pick for: Unlimited cash back
Why we think this is the best online checking account for unlimited cash back: You can earn unlimited 1% cash back on purchases for statement cycles when you maintain at least a $2,500 balance and receive $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits.
What to consider before opening an account: You'll need a $100 deposit to open an account. Also, to earn the highest APY tier, you'll need to maintain a hefty $100,000 balance.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Free linked investment account with checking account
Requires a linked brokerage account
No cash deposits
This free checking account is available to Schwab brokerage customers. Schwab offers unlimited domestic and international ATM reimbursements. Schwab also doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee (which can be 1% to 3% of transaction cost). In addition, there is no minimum deposit requirement and no minimum balance requirements.
Charles Schwab Bank received the highest score in the checking segment of the J.D. Power 2019-2023 U.S. Direct Banking Satisfaction Studies, which measures overall satisfaction with branchless banks.
When you open an Investor Checking account, you'll also be opening a brokerage account at the same time and receive a separate account number for each. You can view both accounts online with a single login, pay no monthly fees, and easily transfer funds between accounts for free.
Our pick for: International travelers
Why we think this is the best online checking account for international travelers: The Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account is unusual in that it offers unlimited reimbursements on withdrawals from both domestic and international ATMs. You also won't pay a foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad.
What to consider before opening an account: You'll need to open a Schwab One® brokerage account to open a checking account. Also, while there are in-person locations for investment services, Schwab doesn't have physical bank branches.
How to compare online bank accounts
There are many factors to consider when looking for an online bank. Many financial institutions offer an online checking account free of charge or an online checking account with no deposit required.
Here are some other factors to take into consideration when comparing online checking accounts.
FDIC or NCUA insurance
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal agency that insures a customer's bank deposits up to $250,000. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the FDIC equivalent for credit unions. Ensure that your online checking account is insured by either agency or for state credit unions, insured by their state agency.
Type of account
There are several types of checking accounts that most financial institutions offer. The right fit depends on how you use your checking account. These accounts can be for both an individual or online joint checking account. Here are the most common types:
Standard checking account: This is the most common type of checking account. It offers basic features such as making deposits, withdrawals, writing checks, paying bills, and using a debit card.
Premium checking account: Premium accounts require a higher checking account balance than a standard account. Premium account holders often earn interest, get discounts on other services from the bank such as slightly lower mortgage rates, and enjoy a lower fee structure.
Rewards-based account: Like credit cards that pay rewards for everyday purchases, rewards-based accounts offer cash back, points, or special discounts.
Other specialty accounts: Banks offer accounts for students, seniors, and other demographic groups. The accounts are catered specifically to a specific group.
Fees
Even for free checking accounts there are many other fees that a bank can charge. Online banks rarely charge monthly maintenance fees. Banks with physical locations often charge fees, but some will waive checking account fees if you keep a minimum required balance. It is best to find a bank that offers an online checking account with no fees or fees that can be easily avoided or waived, such as overdraft fees.
Minimum requirements
Some banks require minimum deposits to open an online checking account. They also require a minimum balance to continue qualifying for a free account. Customers that don't meet the minimum requirements will often have to pay the monthly service fee. Look for a free online checking account with no opening deposit requirement, or one that is very low.
Digital banking experience
The primary way of accessing an online bank account for an online-only bank is through the bank's mobile app and website. Look for an online bank account that is easy to use, offers robust digital tools, an online checking account with mobile deposit, and has a highly rated mobile app. You can check reviews of a mobile app on the app store.
Customer service
Online-only banks do not have any branches. If customers have any issues, they can only contact the bank through online chat, email, or phone support. It is important to find a bank that offers easily accessible customer service. If customers prefer face-to-face customer service, they can look for a bank that has physical locations and an online banking feature.
ATM network or generous ATM fee reimbursement program
You want your bank to be as accessible as possible. Especially if you often pay with cash, you will need access to in-network ATMs to avoid any ATM fees. If you only have access to out-of-network ATMs, look for banks that offer generous ATM fee reimbursements.
Benefits such as high APY, cash back rewards, or other additional perks
The average APY for checking accounts is 0.07%. There are banks that offer more APY and even generous cash back rewards. When looking for the checking account that is right for you, consider what additional perks a bank will offer, such as an online checking account bonus.
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Are online checking accounts safe?
Yes, checking accounts are safe, especially if you have less than $250,000 in the account. As we mentioned earlier, all checking accounts are FDIC insured for as much as $250,000 per depositor, per institution. If you have more than $250,000, divide the balance between checking accounts at several banks to ensure all of your money is protected.
In addition, most institutions offer fraud protection for checking account customers. This helps protect you against unauthorized withdrawals or usage of your debit card. Many of our best checking account picks offer fraud protection.
Banks we monitor
Here are the 100+ financial institutions we've evaluated in our research:
Alliant, Ally, All America Bank, American First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Arvest Bank, Aspiration, Axos Bank, B2 Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Bank7, Barclays, Bask Bank, Betterment, Bluevine, BMO Bank, Bread Financial, Capital One, Carver Federal Savings Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIT, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Savings Bank, Columbia Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Copper, Cross River Bank, Customers Bank, Discover® Bank, E*TRADEEdward Jones, EverBank, Fidelity, Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flushing Bank, Freedom Bank, Generations Bank, GN Bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Greenlight, Harborstone Credit Union, HSBC, Huntington Bank, Ivella, Kabbage by American Express, KeyBank, Laurel Road, LendingClub, Liberty Bank, Liberty Federal Credit Union, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Mercury, Municipal Credit Union, Mutual of Omaha, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, New York Community Bank, Northpointe Bank, Novo, OceanFirst Bank, Old National Bank, ONE Finance, OneUnited Bank, Oxygen, Pacific Western Bank, PNC Bank, Ponce Bank, Popular Direct, Presidential Bank, Prime Alliance Bank, Quontic, Radius, Raisin, Redneck Bank, Regions Bank, Relay, Republic Bank of Chicago, Revolut, Salem Five Bank, Sallie Mae, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Simple, SoFi®, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Third Federal, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB, Upgrade, USAA, Valley Bank, Vanguard, Varo Bank, Vio Bank, Wealthfront, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank, and Zeta.
FAQs
An online checking account allows customers the ability to manage their money from a computer with an internet connection and through a mobile device. Customers can access their checking account online, pay bills electronically, transfer money, and withdraw money at an ATM. You can open an online checking account at an online-only bank or a brick-and-mortar bank.
Online-only banks typically have intuitive and easy to use online interfaces and mobile apps that offer money management tools. Most offer 24/7 phone customer service as well as the ability to chat with customer service representatives online.
Online-only and brick-and-mortar banks offer some form of protection against theft. Our list of best online checking accounts are FDIC/NCUA insured and offer digital security features.
Customers can open online checking accounts with online-only banks and many brick-and-mortar banks within minutes. Customers will need to fill out an online application form, provide necessary documentation, and then wait to get approval for their checking account.
Many banks offer digital banking tools to help customers track their expenses and set up a budget. Many of these tools are automatically built into an online banking account or mobile app.
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