Best Checking Accounts of 2024: Compare Banks & Rates
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FDIC insured Rates updated as of 10/02/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
Earn up to 3.30% APY
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Axos Rewards is the best checking account for consumers who have a significant amount of cash on hand and want to put that money to good use.
The account offers many valuable features. For example, you can build your own APY by taking advantage of certain account services, such as receiving at least $1,500 per month in direct deposits or using your debit card for 10 or more transactions per month. We also love that Axos charges no maintenance fees, minimum balance fees or overdraft fees.
PROS
No fees
Competitive APY
Low minimum deposit requirements
Potential for sign-up bonuses
CONS
You have to open other accounts and invest funds to earn the highest checking APY
No physical branches for in-person service
The direct deposit and minimum balance thresholds for some rewards are fairly high
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FDIC Insured Rates updated as of 10/22/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$ 0.00
Monthly Fee
$ 0.00
Other Features
No ChexSystem checks / No credit checks
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Current offers products that work like checking accounts in that you can receive direct deposits and use a debit card to make payments. You can also build your credit by using the Build card and get points for cash back.
You won’t pay monthly fees with a Current account, and there’s no credit check. If you have $500 or more in monthly direct deposits, you qualify for fee-free overdraft protection. The account does have the potential for other costs, though, such as cash deposit and ATM fees.
Current isn’t a traditional checking account. It offers some hybrid benefits of checking and savings accounts, but you won’t have checks or check-writing abilities.
PROS
No monthly fees
No credit or ChexSystems check required to open account
Early access to direct deposits
Potential to earn rewards
Potential for credit building
CONS
No physical branch locations
High APY on savings requires meeting direct deposit threshold
The Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking account is a great choice if you want low fees and high rewards. It has no monthly fees, offers competitive interest rates, and provides a user-friendly online and mobile banking experience that makes it perfect for digital banking.
You’ll have access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs. Plus, you can get up to $20 per month in ATM fee reimbursements for both domestic and international withdrawals—a feature not commonly offered by other banks. With such a large network of ATMs, however, you’re likely to avoid out-of-network fees anyway.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind. Alliant has limited physical branches, so this might not be ideal if you prefer in-person banking. Also, you’ll need to opt into electronic statements and make at least one electronic deposit each month to earn interest on your account.
Overall, this account is great for saving on fees, earning rewards and managing your finances online. However, it might not be the best fit for you if you prefer visiting a branch.
PROS
Competitive interest rate
Large ATM network
$20/month in ATM fee reimbursements
Contactless Visa debit card and free box of checks
We love the Discover Cashback Debit Checking account for giving customers 1% cash back on all qualified debit card purchases. Every time you use your card, you have the potential to earn 1%, making it easier to reach your financial goals. Note that you only earn 1% on the first $3,000 worth of debit card purchases per month. If you spend more than $3,000, you won’t earn any cash back on the overage.
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FDIC Insured Rates updated as of 10/02/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0.00
Monthly Fee
$0.00
Other Features
Fee-free overdraft up to $200
Why We Like It
Editor's take
If you’re not worried about visiting a local branch, consider opening an online checking account with Chime. Although Chime has no physical branches, you can still withdraw money at more than 60,000 ATMs without paying a fee. Chime also gives you plenty of tools to help you manage your money, such as SpotMe, fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200 on your debit card purchases and may be a good option if you’re looking for a second chance checking account.
One of the best things about the First Tech Rewards Checking account is its rewards structure, which offers up to 4.00% APY on the first $15,000 and 0.05% on any balance over that.
To unlock that 4.00% APY, you’ll need to hit a few monthly goals: make at least 20 debit or credit card transactions totaling $500, keep at least $1,000 in ACH deposits or withdrawals, and enroll in electronic statements. While this might sound a bit demanding, it’s manageable if you actively use your checking account.
This account also has no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees, which makes it a great option if you’re watching your budget. You’ll get surcharge-free access to nearly 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs across the country and can even get up to $15 per month reimbursed for out-of-network U.S. ATM fees.
You’ll receive a complimentary savings account, and if you open a First Tech credit card, you can enjoy additional perks, including up to 0.50% cash back on eligible purchases (capped at $15 per month) and up to $10 per month in cash back for streaming services.
On the downside, First Tech has fewer physical branches compared to larger banks, which could be a drawback if you prefer in-person service. However, if you’re comfortable with online and mobile banking, this probably won’t be a big issue.
Overall, the First Tech Rewards Checking account is a great choice if you’re looking to avoid fees and earn rewards while keeping your banking digital.
PROS
Earn up to 4.00% APY
Potential to earn cash-back rewards
Access to 30,000 fee-free ATMs
Up to $15/month in out-of-network ATM reimbursements
High-yield business checking account with up to 1.50% APY
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Found is built around a pile of freelancer-friendly features, such as third-party gig app integration, built-in invoicing and automatic tax withholding. But the tradeoff is that Found Small Business Checking is only available to sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. You’ll also be restricted to relatively low deposit limits. On the flip side, you can pay a monthly “subscription fee” to upgrade to a high-yield business checking account with up to 1.50% APY.
PROS
Fee-free account with no minimum monthly balance
Blends daily banking, client invoicing and bookkeeping
Calculates your tax bill in real time
Able to integrate with third-party business, e-comm and payment apps
CONS
Limited deposits (max. $2,000/week and $4,000/month cash; max $3,000/week mobile check deposit)
Only available to solo entrepreneurs, freelancers and single-person LLCs
Customer service only available during business hours
SoFi doesn’t offer separate checking and savings accounts. Instead, when you open a checking account, you also get a savings account, making it easier to reach your financial goals. To make saving as painless as possible, SoFi also rounds up every debit card transaction and deposits the extra money in your savings, making it a great option if you’re looking for a joint checking account.
PROS
Options for high-yield savings
No monthly maintenance fees
No minimum opening balance requirement
Opportunity for 15% cash back on some purchases
CONS
Highest APYs on Vault balances require you to meet direct deposit or balance thresholds
No local branches for in-person support
Vault subaccount structure may be confusing for joint account holders to manage
Lili’s business banking solutions are tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses run by a single business owner. With a fee-free overdraft, no minimum balance requirement or account fees, Lili makes it sets small business owners up for success with a nurturing approach to business banking.
Recognised as the FastCo 50 Most Innovative Company for 2022, Lili offers features like its Tax Optimizer Tools and DIY Accounting, which make the tricky parts of managing your small business’s finances quick and painless.
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Member FDIC Rates updates as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
No minimum balance requirement
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Mercury is an online-only banking* platform with a dedicated business checking account tailored to meet the financial needs of online businesses. With no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, business owners can enjoy cost-effective banking solutions without worrying about unnecessary charges. The account provides access to a user-friendly online banking platform, allowing for easy management of finances from anywhere. Integration with financial tools and software streamlines accounting processes, while features such as API access make it possible for developers to customize your Mercury account with dashboards and other automation processes.
*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.
Novo is a solopreneur’s dream with zero overdraft fees, no minimum balance requirements and ATM fee reimbursements. Special welcome offers like $3,000 in Google Cloud credits and money toward Google Ads are quite favorable too, as is the option to sync with platforms like Shopify, Amazon and TransferWise.
All that said, Novo allows for zero cash deposits. With no ATM deposits and no brick-and-mortar locations, the only way to deposit cash is to get a money order and use the mobile deposit option.
PROS
Unlimited fee-free transactions, plus up to $7/monthly ATM fee reimbursement
Accepts payments/transfers via syncs with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Integrations and partnerships with tools that help with team communication, invoicing and marketing
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FDIC Insured Rates updated as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$100
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
Earn up to 1.10% APY
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Quontic High-Interest Checking is ideal for security-conscious consumers looking for extra protection. This online bank offers the Quontic Pay Ring, which allows you to “swipe” your ring instead of swiping a debit or credit card. Quontic also lets you lock your debit card any time it’s out of your possession.
PROS
Earn 1.10% APY when you make 10+ qualifying transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
24/7 chat and call support
Mobile app with financial management features
CONS
Failing to meet the transaction requirement will result in losing the APY
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Member FDIC Rates updated as of 10/02/2024
Monthly Fee
$0
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Other Features
$300 bonus for opening a Key Smart Checking account and making an eligible direct deposit of at least $1000 within the first 60 days of account opening
Why We Like It
Editor's take
The Key Smart Checking® Account is an ideal choice if you’re looking for easy banking. It comes with a user-friendly mobile app to check your balance and access funds instantly. This free checking account is offered by KeyBank, a regional bank with over 40,000 KeyBank and Allpoint® ATMs nationwide and approximately 1,000 branches. Additionally, this checking account is particularly beneficial for students looking for a no-monthly-maintenance-fee checking option. We have summarized all the features and benefits below.
PROS
$0 monthly fees
$0 Min balance requirement
No min transaction
Feature-packed Mobile App
$300 bonus for opening a Key Smart Checking account and making an eligible direct deposit of at least $1000 within the first 60 days of account opening
CONS
Doesn’t earn interest
Fee charged for using ATMs not in the KeyBank or AllPoint networks within & outside the United States
The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account offers a solid blend of accessibility, convenience, and affordability, but there are a few things to consider.
The account comes with a $6.95 monthly service fee, but there are easy ways to get it waived. If you’re in the military, under 24, or 65 and older, you won’t have to pay the fee. If not, you can still avoid it by doing one of the following each month: make $1,000 or more in direct deposits, maintain an average balance of $1,500 or more, or own an eligible U.S. Bank credit card. While it’s simple to get the fee waived, some banks don’t charge any fees at all.
ATM access is a big plus with this account. You’ll get free use of over 40,000 U.S. Bank and MoneyPass® ATMs, so it’s easy to find one nearby. If you use an out-of-network ATM, though, there’s a $2.50 fee, plus whatever the ATM owner charges.
The U.S. Bank mobile app is another highlight. It’s user-friendly and lets you deposit checks, transfer money, and send payments with Zelle. On top of that, customer service is available 24/7 by phone and through online chat on weekdays, so help is always within reach.
In short, the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account is a great option if you want access to a large ATM network, good customer service, and a user-friendly app, while also having clear options to avoid monthly fees.
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FDIC Insured Rates updates rates_last_updated
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
Earn up to 2% cash back on purchases
Why We Like It
Editor's take
If you set up monthly direct deposits of $1,000 or more, you’ll earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases (convenience stores, drugstores, restaurants, bars, gas stations, utilities and subscriptions) and 1% on all other purchases. The 2% cash back is capped at $500 per calendar year, after which it drops to 1%. If you don’t deposit at least $1,000 a month within 60 days, you’ll get 1% cash back on everyday purchases and 0.50% on everything else.
PROS
Earn up to 2% cash back on everyday spending
Get paid up to two days early
No monthly fees
Access to 55,000 fee-free ATM network
CONS
Must set up monthly direct deposits of $1,000 to earn 2% cash back
Doesn’t earn interest
No physical branch locations
What is a checking account?
A checking account is a deposit account used to pay bills and make other financial transactions.
When you deposit money in a checking account, you can use it to:
pay bills online
write checks
withdraw cash at ATMs
make purchases with your debit card
How much you keep in your checking account depends on your personal needs. For example, if you use your debit card frequently, or if you write several checks per month, you may need to maintain a balance of several thousand dollars.
To open your own account, you generally have to be 18 years old. However, many banks offer teen checking accounts to give teenagers experience managing money with the help of a parent or guardian.
Alternatively, you may be interested in a business checking account, such as the Bluevine Business checking account. These checking accounts help you keep your personal and professional finances separate and can be used to pay your vendors and receive payments from clients.
How much you keep in your checking account depends on your personal needs. For example, if you use your debit card frequently, or if you write several checks per month, you may need to maintain a balance of several thousand dollars.
Pros and cons of checking accounts
Checking account pros
Convenient access to your funds via check or debit card
Ability to pay bills directly from your account
Online account statements to help you track your spending
Provides access to direct deposit
Checking account cons
Many banks charge fees to maintain a checking account
You may need to maintain a minimum balance to avoid service fees
Some checking accounts don’t earn interest
Types of checking accounts
You may encounter these types of accounts in your research:
Traditional checking: A traditional checking account is the most basic type of account available. Once you deposit money, you can write checks, withdraw cash at ATMs or use your debit card to make purchases.
Student checking: Many students don’t earn enough to meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirements for other types of checking accounts. Student checking accounts typically have low or no fees, along with limited account requirements, making it easier for students to access banking services.
Interest checking: An interest-bearing checking account allows you to earn interest on the money you deposit.
Premium checking: If you have a large amount of money to deposit, you may qualify for a premium checking account, which typically comes with additional features.
Rewards checking: A rewards checking account gives you extra perks when you meet certain criteria. For example, some accounts offer cash back when you use your debit card to make a qualifying purchase.
How to compare checking accounts
Before you open an account, make sure you compare several banks to determine if each one offers the services you need.
As you review your checking account options, consider the following criteria.
Minimums
Many banks have minimum balance requirements, which require you to keep a certain amount of money in your account to receive certain benefits. If you don’t, you may have to pay a monthly service fee, or you may lose the opportunity to earn interest. It’s also common for banks to have minimum deposit requirements.
Fees
A checking account should make it easier to manage your finances, not more difficult. Before you choose a bank, make sure you know how much it costs to maintain an account.
Watch for these fees:
Monthly service fee: The monthly service fee is how much it costs to keep your account open.
ATM fee: If you use an ATM outside your bank’s network, you may have to pay two separate fees. One fee is charged by your bank, while the other fee is charged by the ATM owner.
Overdraft fee: Many banks charge a fee any time you have an account overdraft. Also known as insufficient funds fees, overdraft fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to avoid them as much as possible.
Foreign transaction fee: If you travel overseas, you may have to pay a foreign transaction fee every time you use your debit card.
APY
APY stands for annual percentage yield. It represents the interest rate on your checking account based on a one-year compounding period. The higher your APY, the easier it is to earn interest on your balance.
Digital experience
Before you choose an account, be sure to review the digital experience offered by each financial institution. You should be able to transfer funds, download statements and access other features online. Many banks also offer budgeting tools and other resources to help you better manage your finances.
Customer service
If you have a question, you shouldn’t have to go through three layers of AI chatbots to get an accurate answer. When you research a bank, make sure you find out what type of customer service it provides (e.g. phone, chat, etc.), when it’s available and how long it typically takes to get a response.
Security
Your bank should offer plenty of security features to protect your money. Before you open an account, make sure your preferred bank offers fraud alerts, industry-standard encryption and other features designed to stop thieves in their tracks.
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FDIC Insured Rates updates rates_last_updated
What’s the best checking account for me?
The best checking account for you depends on your personal needs.
If you just need a place to receive direct deposits, you may not care too much about bill pay and other account features. If you want to be more involved in your finances, however, you may want access to a full-featured mobile application, credit monitoring and other tools to support you on your journey.
When comparing the best banks for checking accounts, look for the following:
Convenience: If you’re looking for the best bank to open a checking account, you need to consider convenience. It’s not convenient to drive 20 minutes to a branch to make a simple transaction, so you may want to look for a bank with locations near your home or office.
Digital features: The best banks offer plenty of digital features, eliminating the need to travel to a branch or stop at an ATM every time you want to check your balance or complete a transaction.
Overdraft protection: We don’t recommend overdrawing your account, but if you make a mistake calculating your balance, it’s nice to have overdraft protection.
Account security: Your bank should offer multiple security features, such as multifactor authentication or biometric access, to give you extra peace of mind.
Where to get a checking account
You can get a checking account at any of these places:
1
Traditional banks:
Brick-and-mortar banks offer a variety of checking accounts, making it easy to manage your expenses.
See MoreSee Less
2
Online banks:
Some banks are online-only, which means they offer plenty of digital features to help you manage your money.
See MoreSee Less
3
Credit unions:
Credit unions offer some of the same services as banks, but they’re nonprofit organizations owned by their members.
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How to open a checking account
Although the application process varies slightly from one financial institution to another, you typically have to follow these steps:
Fill out an application. If you don’t mind visiting a branch, you can do this in person. Otherwise, the bank may allow you to complete an application online. If you decide to visit a branch, make sure you have proof of identity (e.g. driver’s license) and proof of residency (e.g. current utility bill, current lease) with you.
Pay your opening deposit, if your bank requires one.
Start using your account.
Should I have more than one checking account?
For some people, having two checking accounts is better than having just one.
One of the benefits of maintaining multiple accounts is that you can take advantage of special offers at different banks. Having more than one account is also helpful if there’s a problem with your main bank.
What’s the difference between a checking and a savings account?
A checking account is designed to give you quick access to your money. You may be able to withdraw cash at ATMs, write checks or use a debit card to make in-person and online purchases. The purpose of opening a savings account is to save money for the future.
FAQ: Best checking accounts
Which bank is the best for checking accounts?
It really depends on your financial needs and personal preferences. If you use your debit card frequently, you may want to open an account with a bank that offers cash back on all qualifying debit card purchases. If you’re more concerned with earning interest on your deposits, you may want to prioritize finding a bank with a high APY.
Do checking accounts earn interest?
Some checking accounts are interest-bearing, which means you earn money on your deposits. For example, you can earn 1% APY with Amex Rewards Checking.
How do I get a checking account bonus?
It depends on the terms of the bonus offer. Some bonuses require you to receive a monthly direct deposit or maintain a minimum daily balance for a certain period of time.
Are checking accounts safe?
Yes. Checking accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, so you won’t lose your money even if a bank fails. FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per account holder.
How many checking accounts can I have?
Technically, you can have as many checking accounts as you want.
Will a checking account affect my credit?
Opening a checking account does not affect your credit. However, if you overdraw your account and fail to correct the deficiency, your bank may send the debt to collections.
Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.
In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.
In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.
Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.
As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.
He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.
LA Times Compare is committed to helping you compare products and services in a safe and helpful manner. It’s our goal to help you make sound financial decisions and choose financial products with confidence. Although we don’t feature all of the products and services available on the market, we are confident in our ability to sound advice and guidance. We work to ensure that the information and advice we offer on our website is objective, unbiased, verifiable, easy to understand for all audiences, and free of charge to our users. We are able to offer this and our services thanks to partners that compensate us. This may affect which products we write about as well as where and how product offers appear on our website – such as the order in which they appear. This does not affect our ability to offer unbiased reviews and information about these products and all partner offers are clearly marked. Given our collaboration with top providers, it’s important to note that our partners are not involved in deciding the order in which brands and products appear. We leave this to our editorial team who reviews and rates each product independently.
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