9 Best Checking Accounts in 2025
While traditional banks offer convenience, they simply don’t compete when it comes checking accounts to interest. There are also several accounts that offer bonuses and promotions for opening an account. If you’re able to meet the requirements for a bonus, you could make some extra cash. You also may want to consider opening multiple checking accounts for different uses.
SoFi Checking and Savings
Plus, SoFi has more perks than others that may make it worth it if you’re not solely focused on earning the highest return possible. BMO offers a wide range of personal banking products, but its checking APYs remain negligible—typically between 0.01% and 0.05%. These low returns make it fall short of the high-yield checking account standard. In 2025, some no-fee checking accounts are also offering high checking account bonuses, becoming the standard for smart, stress-free banking. 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. Some national or local banks will only have a few ATMs in your area, so you will want to analyze their fees for withdrawing your funds from other banks’ ATMs.
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You’ll be required to open an Alliant Savings Account to join, which you can do at the same time as you open a checking account. Additionally, many accounts have minimum transaction requirements in order to earn rewards or avoid fees. For example, some high-yield checking accounts require you to make a certain number of monthly debit card purchases or have direct deposit to qualify for the highest interest rate. Make sure you’re comfortable with the minimum requirements before committing to an account. High-yield checking accounts function like standard checking accounts but offer significantly higher annual percentage yields (APYs).
Fifth Third Bank Travel Rewards Checking
This helps you avoid overdraft fees because you can only spend the amount that you’ve loaded onto the card. To earn interest, you have to meet some requirements, and you can choose between two different options. With the first, you have to receive qualifying direct deposits of more than $1,500 total by the 25th of the month and maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 in your account. Alternatively, you can receive qualifying deposits (such as online transfers or checks) of at least $5,000 total by the 25th of the month and maintain an average daily balance of more than $5,000. Fulfilling one set of these requirements will also earn you a very high rate on Axos ONE Savings.
- This is because many checking accounts don’t earn interest, and those that do bear interest often earn less than you can get from top-yielding savings accounts.
- You’ll get a Chime Visa® Debit Card, round-the-clock app controls, and perks like early paycheck access and fee-free overdraft coverage (SpotMe®) for eligible members.
- In many cases, opening an account online is quicker and more convenient than visiting a branch.
- Consider this account if you want to manage your overall finances within your checking account and visit an ATM a few times a month.
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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.
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.
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If you can apply online, you’ll need personal information including your name, address, Social Security number and valid form of identification. Many banks allow you to set up bill pay services from your checking account to pay things like rent or utilities. You might also have access to the same-day money transfer service Zelle through your bank. Bask Bank’s free Interest Checking account has a competitive interest rate with no minimum deposit to open.
Some checking accounts do earn interest, but it’s not a standard feature for most checking accounts. Traditional checking accounts — typically from large banks — often pay little to no interest. That’s because checking accounts are designed primarily for everyday spending and bill payments.
- Checking accounts can vary significantly from one another in terms of their annual percentage yield, customer service, monthly fees, minimum account requirements, sign-up promotions, and more.
- Customers have free access to more than 90,000 global ATMs, and nbkc also offers up to $12 per month for reimbursement of out-of-network ATM fees.
- Whether you want to avoid fees, earn interest, or manage your money easily through mobile banking, choosing the right checking account is key to keeping your finances in check.
- If you’re a business owner, you’ll likely need a business checking account to separate your personal and business finances.
Most banks come with mobile apps and desktop login options so that you can handle your banking without needing to go to a branch. As a bank customer, you will usually have access to an ATM network as well, either through your bank or through a partner network. “The best checking accounts are designed to be used for all of your regular purchases and transactions, so make sure to pick one that has all of the features that matter to you. The account has no monthly fee, no overdraft fee and direct deposit up to two days early. The First Internet Bank Free Checking account earns solid reviews from its customers.
On the savings side, LendingClub has competitive yields on its savings account and CDs. The bank acquired Radius Bank in February 2021.It’s a solid option for consumers looking for an online bank that offers competitive yields, low fees and ample ATM access. If you plan on keeping your checking account as a clearing account for your financial ecosystem, ensure the account doesn’t charge high fees. Cash management accounts are offered by brokerages and give you a place to keep uninvested cash.
If you’re looking to grow your money while keeping it accessible, a high-yield checking account might be the right choice for you. These accounts typically offer higher interest rates than traditional checking accounts, allowing your balance to grow at a faster pace. While interest rates on checking accounts tend to be lower than those on savings accounts, high-yield checking accounts can still provide an opportunity to earn a bit more on your balance. Ally offers a no monthly maintenance fee checking account with free access to 43,000 ATMs nationwide. With no fees for common services like online bill pay, debit card replacements, and incoming wires, Ally’s checking account is a solid option for fee-conscious users. They also offer interest-bearing accounts with a competitive APY, so you can earn a little on your balance while avoiding fees.
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One of the most crucial aspects of comparing checking accounts is understanding the fee structure. Many checking accounts come with fees, but the types and amounts of fees can vary greatly from one account to another. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees, ATM withdrawal fees, overdraft fees, and returned item fees. Understanding these key features will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best checking account for your needs. In today’s fast-paced world, many people want to manage their finances on the go.