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Matt is currently Head of the Coverage Team at The Motley Fool. He has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2012 and is a former advisor and analyst for multiple Motley Fool services. Matt's articles and analysis have been published around the world and his views have been cited in worldwide publications from the Financial Times and The New York Times to the Toronto Star and Germany's Focus Money. He has appeared to offer analysis on a variety of outlets including CNBC and NPR. Matt is the co-author of The Astonishing Collapse of MF Global as well as the creator and former co-host of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus podcast.
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APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
Let's face it: all the bells and whistles of flashy savings rates, sign-up bonuses, and convenient branch locations mean nothing if your bank isn't a safe place for your money.
In a world where banking online is the norm, feeling secure with your bank is more important than ever. That's why we've done the heavy lifting to bring you the top 10 safest banks in the U.S. These banks excel in reliability, trustworthiness, and keeping your money exactly where it belongs -- in your account.
But if you're short on time, here’s a quick rundown of two standout options for security and peace of mind:
SoFi® (Member FDIC) is a top choice for online banking security, thanks to its robust fraud protection, two-factor authentication, and FDIC insurance covering deposits up to $3 million ⁴. Unlike traditional banks, SoFi® operates without physical branches, meaning all its security efforts are laser-focused on protecting your digital assets.
As a household name in finance, Amex (Member FDIC) has built a reputation for rock-solid security. Their banking division upholds the same high standards, offering FDIC-insured accounts, top-tier fraud detection, and industry-leading customer service.
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
How we evaluate bank safety
There are a few different factors we look at when evaluating whether a bank is safe or not. They are:
FDIC insurance
The main and most important factor to look at is FDIC insurance. Put simply, this means that if the bank were to fail, your money is protected by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category. This is hopefully a rare final resort, but full stop, without FDIC insurance, the bank is not a safe place to put your money.
All 10 banks on our list are FDIC insured, so you can rest easy.
Security measures
A safe bank is a fortress. We looked for banks with:
Encryption: Protecting your data from digital thieves.
Multi-factor authentication: Requiring extra verification to access accounts.
Biometric recognition: Fingerprint or facial ID for secure logins.
Transaction alerts: Real-time notifications for suspicious activity.
Dispute resolution: A hassle-free way to recover funds in case of fraud.
Chip cards and secure ATMs: Cutting-edge tech to deter card skimming.
Brand reputation and longevity
Banks with long, reliable histories are more likely to be safe over the long term. These institutions have weathered financial storms, built trust over decades, and consistently prioritized customer security.
Reliable customer service
Even with the best security measures, life happens -- think fraud alerts or frozen accounts. That's where 24/7 customer support, in-person branch access, and responsive online help can make all the difference.
Safest online banks
Online-only banks are best for people that don't mind doing all their account management via their computer or a mobile app. Access to your cash isn't always as straightforward with these banks, but they often compensate with higher APYs on high-yield savings accounts.
SoFi®
About SoFi®
SoFi® is a fintech leader offering everything from banking to investing. An extra safety feature it offers that makes up for any online-only hesitation is SoFi®'s Insured Deposit Program, which allows customers to go beyond the normal FDIC coverage and insure up to $3 million in deposits.4
Pros
High APYs on checking and savings accounts
Ability to earn a higher APY by setting up direct deposit
No monthly fees or overdraft fees
Large fee-free ATM network
SoFi relationship benefits
Cons
No way to open a standalone checking or savings account
No physical branch locations
Cash withdrawals cost up to $4.95 at third-party retailers
An account we love
The SoFi Checking and Savings account is a standout for folks that want to get the benefit of a high-yield savings account APY on their savings but also want to earn interest on a connected checking account. Although it's online-only, you can access your funds at more than 55,000 ATMs that Allpoint offers.5
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
up to 3.80%²
Rate info
You can earn the maximum 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 on both Savings and Checking
No account fees³
Welcome bonus up to $300 (direct deposit required)¹
Early access to direct deposits⁶
Tools to help you track savings goals
Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
ATM access⁵
FDIC insured (up to $3M with opt-in to SoFi Insured Deposit Program)⁴
Combo account only; no stand-alone savings or checking
Maximum Savings APY requires direct deposit
Overdraft protection⁷ requires monthly direct deposit minimum
No branch access; online only
For those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we think SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) is hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns an above-average rate, too -- which is a rare perk. Plus, there's the opportunity for a bonus of up to $300¹ and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it's the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.
You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.
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 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
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 depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.
Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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.
Quontic stands out as a community-focused online bank that champions underserved markets. Its reliability is enhanced by a robust U.S.-based customer service team and access to over 90,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Pros
Innovative Wearable Checking account
High-yield savings account with competitive APY
Excellent customer service
No monthly maintenance fees
Cons
Missing some common CD terms
Checking accounts not ideal for infrequent debit card users
An account we love
The Quontic High Yield Savings account offers a competitive 3.85% APY with just a $100 opening deposit. It's fee free, has no ongoing balance requirements, and boasts excellent digital banking tools, making it a good choice for online savers.
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
Maximum six transactions per account statement cycle
A standout online savings account with one of the best APY's we've seen. The savings account also includes a debit card, which is a nice add-on for an account that already outshines many. Interest is compounded daily based on your posted account balance, which means your money will grow faster.
A pioneer in online banking, Axos Bank focuses on low fees, user-friendly services, and top-notch digital security. While not tied to an ATM network, Axos Bank does offer ATM reimbursements for use at any ATM in the U.S.
Pros
Variety of checking accounts
Domestic ATM fee reimbursements on all checking and savings accounts
No maintenance fees on any account
Cons
Low APYs on CDs and savings accounts
No branch locations
Unimpressive customer satisfaction ratings
An account we love
Axos Bank Rewards Checking lets you earn a competitive APY of 0.40% (up to 3.30%) with qualifying activities like direct deposits, way higher than most other checking accounts on the market.
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
up to 4.66%
Rate info
Axos ONE Checking earns a base rate of 0% APY. It earns a promotional rate of 0.51% APY for statement cycles in which requirements are met. Axos ONE Savings earns a base rate of 1.00% APY. It earns a promotional rate of up to 4.66% APY for statement cycles in which requirements are met.
Min. To Earn APY
$0 for base rates, $1,500 for max APY
Earn a competitive APY on checking and savings
Pay no monthly maintenance or account fees
No cap on how much you can save
Access to fee-free ATM network
Extra conditions required to earn the advertised rate
No physical branches for in-person help
The Axos banking bundle offers the potential for very competitive rates and a simple banking experience that puts all of your accounts in one place. The mobile app may have issues, however, and online user reviews raise some concerns about access and customer service.
National banks are good options for those that value large banking institutions and hundreds of in-person branches.
American Express National Bank
About American Express National Bank (Member FDIC)
You know Amex for its credit cards, but its banking arm is just as solid. Operating as an online-only bank, it combines Amex's stellar reputation with excellent customer service and tech-forward features.
Pros
Competitive APY (annual percentage yield)
No monthly fees
No minimums for CDs
No minimum to earn full savings APY
Good customer service
Member FDIC
Cons
No physical branches
An account we love
The American Express® High Yield Savings account offers a competitive 3.70% APY as of April 11, 2025, no fees, and 24/7 customer support. Perfect for those who love the Amex brand and want their money to grow.
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
3.70%
Rate info
3.70% annual percentage yield as of April 11, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. To Earn APY
$0
Competitive APY
No account fees
Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
24/7 customer support
FDIC insured
No ATM access
No branch access; online only
No cash deposits
American Express High Yield Savings may not have the highest APY on our list, but it still offers a rate well above average and requires no minimum deposit to qualify for the highest APY. It's a good fit for those who want to save at a competitive rate while avoiding withdrawal limits or minimum balance requirements.
Capital One has transformed banking with its focus on simplicity and innovation. With a mix of online convenience and physical branches, it's built to be secure and accessible.
Pros
High APYs
In-person locations
Competitive accounts for minors
Solid customer service
Cons
Some CD rates are low
Few branch locations
An account we love
The Capital One 360 Performance Savings account is a standout. Earn 3.60% APY with $0 minimum deposits, so you can let your cash grow with little-to-no money. The best part? Capital One has hundreds of physical locations around the U.S. so you're never too far from in-person help.
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
3.60%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of April 8, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
Min. To Earn APY
$0
Competitive APY
Branch access
No account fees
Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
24/7 customer support
No ATM access
Capital One 360 Performance Savings checks all the boxes we look for in a high-yield savings account. It even offers branch locations and Capital One Cafes where customers can seek in-person support (if you live near one). This makes it a great fit when you want to reap the rewards of online banking but aren't quite ready to cut ties with brick-and-mortar banks.
As the largest bank in the U.S., Chase brings serious resources to the table. With over 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs, it combines nationwide accessibility with top-tier security.
Pros
Large, nationwide branch network
Rewards for customer loyalty
User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
Good customer service ratings
Multiple checking and savings accounts options
Cons
Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
An account we love
The Chase Total Checking® account is a reliable everyday option, backed by strong fraud detection tools. Just keep an eye on the monthly fees, which are waived if you meet balance requirements.
3.50/5
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, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
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
More than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 physical locations
Wide range of financial products
User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
No minimum deposit to open
Chase Overdraft Assist
Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
$12 monthly maintenance fee waived only with qualifying activity
Chase Total Checking® combines tons of features with superior customer service. It's a safe place to put your money. You can walk into any of thousands of branches and withdraw cash from more than 15,000 ATMs in Chase's network. You can access everything online, too. It's one of the best checking accounts for in-person and over-the-phone customer service.
New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Open your account online now
Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
**Monthly service fee is $12, or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period:
Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network,
OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account,
OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
One of the "Big Four" banks, Wells Fargo offers everything from in-person service to a robust mobile app. Its long history and substantial resources make it a safe bet for your finances.
Pros
Variety of checking accounts
Relationship benefits for loyal customers
Debit card with savings accounts
Ability to bank all in one place
Cons
Checking account fees
Low APYs
Poor customer service ratings
No long-term CDs
High overdraft fees
An account we love
Wells Fargo CD accounts have some high APYs if you're able to put in a minimum deposit of at least $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special. If you can let your money sit in either the 4- or 7-month Special CDs, you'll take advantage of CD rates we typically only see from an online-only bank.
Rates as of March 6, 2025
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Wells Fargo Standard CD
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special
Regional banks are good choices for people that value a more customer-focused experience than a massive national bank can offer, but value more stability than what a very local bank can offer.
Western Alliance Bank
About Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bank is the primary subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation, one of the country's top-performing banking institutions. Known for its focus on commercial banking, Western Alliance Bank has built a reputation for financial stability and conservative management.
Pros
Highly competitive APY
No account fees
FDIC insured
Cons
All deposits and withdrawals must be conducted via ACH transfer to and from a linked external account
Accounts cannot be linked to personal budgeting apps
Online only
No checking accounts
Limited customer service hours
An account we love
Despite being an online-only account, the Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier account boasts one of the highest APYs that we've found. If you don't mind online-only banking, it's an excellent choice for set-and-forget banking.
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
4.25%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of March 20, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Min. To Earn APY
$500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
Competitive APY
No monthly account fee
Can open an individual or joint account
Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
FDIC insured
Deposits and withdrawals can only be conducted via ACH transfer to/from an external bank account (limit to one linked account)
No ATM access
No wire transfers (inbound and outbound)
No branch access; online only
Western Alliance Bank offers a higher APY than most high-yield savings accounts. Plus, it's FDIC insured; therefore, deposits are perfectly safe up to applicable legal limits. The main drawback is that accounts don't have many features. For example, you can only deposit and withdraw funds via ACH transfer to/from an external bank account. This account is solid for those who want a sky-high APY, but don't mind a bare-bones banking experience.
As the fifth-largest bank in the U.S., U.S. Bank is backed by its parent company, U.S. Bancorp, which has a strong track record of financial stability. With over 3,000 branches and 4,800 ATMs nationwide, it balances accessibility with secure, reliable banking.
Pros
Excellent selection of products
Relationship benefits for opening multiple accounts
Rare CD and loan options
Cons
Low APY on deposit accounts
Mixed reviews on customer service
An account we love
The Bank Smartly® Checking account combines affordability and convenience with features like overdraft protection and intuitive mobile tools. Plus, its vast ATM network ensures you're covered wherever you go.
3.50/5
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, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
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
Advanced digital banking tools for budgeting and financial goals
24/7 customer support
Branch access (if you live near one)
Overdraft protection and fee forgiveness
FDIC insured
Balance requirement to waive monthly fee
The Bank Smartly® Checking account has most standard features for a checking account offered by a major bank, including broad ATM access, multiple ways to deposit and withdraw funds, and digital tools for tracking your budget. The account earns interest, but you'll have to contact U.S. Bank to get the latest APYs. There’s a monthly service fee, but there are several ways to have it waived.
PNC Bank
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank is a regional powerhouse. This "super-regional" bank has a massive footprint, operating in 27 states and Washington D.C. PNC Bank balances a community-focused approach with the perks of a large bank, like widespread branch access.
Pros
Great customer service
Better APYs for customers who meet certain criteria
Sign-up bonuses on select accounts
Budgeting tools
Gig-quality mobile app
Flexible CDs with some unusual options
Cons
High overdraft fees
No standalone checking accounts
An account we love
The PNC High Yield Savings® account offers competitive APYs, no fees, and a simple online interface -- perfect for customers in eligible markets.
Better APYs for customers who meet certain criteria
Sign-up bonuses on select accounts
Budgeting tools
Gig-quality mobile app
Flexible CDs with some unusual options
High overdraft fees
No standalone checking accounts
Our methodology for scoring banks and credit unions revolves around evaluating key aspects such as annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks.
These criteria are weighted differently across various account types, ensuring a comprehensive assessment that reflects the competitive landscape and economic conditions.
We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased by advertiser influence. This robust evaluation process helps us generate balanced, reliable best-of lists that guide consumers to top financial products.
Our methodology for scoring banks and credit unions revolves around evaluating key aspects such as annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks.
These criteria are weighted differently across various account types, ensuring a comprehensive assessment that reflects the competitive landscape and economic conditions.
We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased by advertiser influence. This robust evaluation process helps us generate balanced, reliable best-of lists that guide consumers to top financial products.
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
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 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
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 depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.
Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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.
APY:
up to 3.80%²
Rate info
You can earn the maximum 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.
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 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
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 depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.
Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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
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
4.50/5
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
up to 4.66%
Rate info
Axos ONE Checking earns a base rate of 0% APY. It earns a promotional rate of 0.51% APY for statement cycles in which requirements are met. Axos ONE Savings earns a base rate of 1.00% APY. It earns a promotional rate of up to 4.66% APY for statement cycles in which requirements are met.
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
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
3.60%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of April 8, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
3.50/5
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, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
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
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
**Monthly service fee is $12, or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period:
Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network,
OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account,
OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
**Monthly service fee is $12, or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period:
Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network,
OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account,
OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
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
4.25%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of March 20, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
3.50/5
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, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
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
If a bank fails, the FDIC steps in to protect depositors. Accounts up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category, are covered under FDIC insurance, ensuring you don't lose your money. The FDIC may transfer accounts to another institution or issue checks for insured amounts.
Yes, online banking is generally safe when banks implement robust security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and fraud monitoring. To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid accessing accounts over public wifi.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.
SoFi disclosure:
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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.
Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, Target, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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