checking accounts 5

10 Best Checking Accounts Of 2025

See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/. You’ll have access to 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to earn up to $300 in bonuses through SoFi’s eligible direct deposit promotion. To qualify, you must receive a eligible direct deposit through the promotional period (which begins when you receive at least $1 and ends 25 days later).

Free ATM network

If you decide to go with SoFi, you’ll want to make sure to meet the direct deposit requirements to earn the maximum interest rate and get overdraft protection. A potential drawback to banking with SoFi is that if you want to make a cash deposit, you’ll have to go to a Green Dot retail location and pay a fee of up to $4.95 for each deposit. That might not be an issue if you don’t usually handle cash, but if you want to deposit cash regularly — like if you work a tip-based job, for example — those fees could add up quickly. The best banks for checking accounts have low or no fees, good customer service and free ATMs nearby. An overdraft fee is charged when you spend more than what is in your account. Some banks offer overdraft protection, which can help you avoid these fees by linking your checking account to a savings account or line of credit.

First Internet Bank of Indiana

Typically you’ll have better luck looking at online-only banks, though you’ll need to be comfortable banking online. For students, many checking accounts offer no monthly maintenance fees and low or no minimum balance requirements, which makes them a great option for those just starting out. Some banks may offer free ATM access or allow students to link their checking account with a savings account to help them build a financial safety net.

Here are some alternatives to checking accounts, both for daily spending and for higher interest rates. It’s a deposit account that should allow for the easy management of the cash you need to run your life, such as paying bills and making purchases. One of the most basic financial products, you can find a checking account from almost all brick-and-mortar banks, online banks and credit unions. In addition to interest rates, some checking accounts offer rewards programs, such as cash back on debit card purchases.

ATM Access and Network

Whether you’re paying for groceries, transferring money, or paying bills, your checking account keeps everything running smoothly. Savings accounts generally offer higher interest rates than checking accounts. However, some of the checking accounts on this list have APYs comparable to what the best high-yield savings are currently offering.

• Texas Capital Bank also scored well on our review of customer satisfaction metrics.
• However, some customers were dissatisfied with the lack of multi-factor authentication and issues with the mobile app more broadly.
• The key is to determine “a system to control your money in real life,” writes Sylvia Porter in her “Money Book.” With one checking account you can manage your cash flow in one place.
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Chime is an online-only bank that offers a no-fee checking account with absolutely no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. In addition, Chime provides access to over 24,000 ATMs nationwide with no fees. Chime also offers early direct deposit, allowing you to access your paycheck up to two days earlier than traditional banks. A top performer in the high-yield checking accounts category, Consumers Credit Union offers an unmatched interest rate—provided you meet monthly requirements such as debit card usage and direct deposits.

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Chase is one of the largest U.S. banks, but its standard checking accounts don’t earn interest at all. With a 0.00% APY on most of its checking products, it simply doesn’t qualify as a high-yield checking account provider. Ideal Credit Union delivers a solid online and in-branch experience, making it one of the most accessible high-yield checking accounts.

The bank is also part of the Allpoint network, which gives customers fee-free access to more than 55,000 nationwide ATMs. Consider this account if you don’t keep a ton of cash in your checking account, use an ATM a few times a month and enjoy banking online. First Internet Bank Free Checking is a no-frills checking option that’s easy to open and maintain without paying many fees. Since there are no rewards, consider pairing it with a high-yield savings account. The lack of fees, including for overdrafts, as well as some cash back rewards on its debit card make it a do-no-harm option, especially if you already use Betterment’s investing services.

Start by considering those who made this list as they offer the highest returns and have manageable requirements to earn the high APY. If you want a tech-forward option that grows with your usage habits, this high-yield checking account is a standout for custom earners. A savings account enables you to earn interest on your savings, helping your money grow while still giving you easy access to your funds. You can also consider keep two checking accounts to enjoy the benefits of both kinds of banking.

Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers. Compensation from our partners may impact what products we cover and where they appear on the site, but does not have any impact on the objectivity of our reviews or advice. Get started with premium spreadsheets and financial models customizable to your unique business needs to help you save time and streamline your processes. Understanding these terms will help you avoid unexpected charges and ensure that the account you choose is practical for your lifestyle.

Presidential Bank Advantage Checking

• Bankrate researches over 100 banks, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.
• A lot of traditional banks charge monthly maintenance fees, but many online banks offer checking accounts that don’t carry these fees at all.
• Recently, I was elected Treasurer of the Society of Professional Journalists’ SDX Foundation (Washington, DC chapter), raising scholarship money for aspiring young journalists.
• SoFi’s Checking and Savings account earns a 0.50% APY (variable and subject to change) on the balance in its checking portion.

If you’re a business owner, you’ll likely need a business checking account to separate your personal and business checking accounts finances. Business checking accounts are essential for managing business expenses, paying employees, and accepting payments from clients. These accounts often come with features tailored to the unique needs of businesses.

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Consider Betterment Checking if you constantly use ATMs and don’t need to make use of all banking services, such as wire transfers. Our editors are committed to bringing you independent ratings and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the banking methodology for the ratings below.