Best Checking Accounts of 2024: Compare Banks & Rates
When you buy something using links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content is reviewed & supervised by The Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.
Advertiser Disclosure

On This Page

On This Page

Compare the Best Checking Accounts of October 2024

  • The best checking account depends on your financial habits and personal preferences.
  • Traditional banks, online banks and credit unions all offer checking accounts to customers of all ages.
  • Explore our featured checking accounts: Axos Bank, Quontic, Chime, Upgrade, Discover and Chase.
  • Before opening a checking account, it’s important to compare several options.
  • It’s helpful to have more than one checking account if you’re concerned about having quick access to your money.

Our top picks for the best checking accounts of October 2024

Compare our top picks for the best checking accounts

Advertiser Disclosure

Axos Rewards Checking
LEARN MORE FDIC insured
Rates updated as of 10/02/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
  • Earn up to 3.30% APY
    - Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
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

Current Account
LEARN MORE on Current's secure website
Member FDIC
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
  • You pay a fee for making cash deposits
  • No check-writing capabilities

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking

LEARN MORE
NCUA Insured
Rates updated rates_last_updated
Minimum Opening Deposit
$25.00
Monthly Fee
$0.00
Other Features
  • Competitive high rate of 0.25% APY
    No minimum balance requirement to maintain APY
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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
  • Optional overdraft protection
  • NCUA insurance up tp $250,000

CONS

  • Requires credit union membership
  • Few physical branch locations

Discover Cashback Debit Checking

LEARN MORE
insured_member_info
Rates updated rates_last_updated
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0.00
Monthly Fee
$0.00
Other Features
1% cash back on purchases per month
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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.

PROS

  • 1% cash back on purchases per month
  • Large ATM network (60K+ machines)
  • Access to helpful financial management tools

CONS

  • Doesn’t earn interest
  • No fee rebate if you use a non-Discover ATM

Chime Checking Account
LEARN MORE 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.

PROS

  • More than 60K fee-free ATMs
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No maintenance fees or overdraft fees

CONS

  • No physical locations
  • Doesn’t earn interest

First Tech Rewards Checking

LEARN MORE
NCUA Insured
Rates updated rates_last_updated
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0.00
Monthly Fee
$0.00
Other Features
Up to 4.00% APY on the first $15,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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
  • NCAU insurance up to $250,000

CONS

  • Low APY on balances exceeding $15,000
  • Limited availability of physical branches

Found Small Business Checking

LEARN MORE
FDIC Insured
Rates updated as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
N/A
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
Upgrade to a subscription high-yield account for 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 Checking and Savings

LEARN MORE
Member FDIC
Rates updated as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
  • Earn 0.50% on checking balances
    - Earn up to 4.50% on Vault savings
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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 Business Checking

LEARN MORE
FDIC Insured
Rates updated rates_last_updated
Minimum Opening Deposit
N/A
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
disclosure
1% APY
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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.

PROS

  • No account fees or transaction fees
  • Built-in financial management features
  • No fees at MoneyPass ATMs

CONS

  • Does not support payments by check
  • Free plan does not include some key features

Mercury Business Checking
LEARN MORE Member FDIC
Rates updates as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
  • No minimum balance requirement
    - No transaction fees
    - 0% APY
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.

PROS

  • No monthly fees or opening deposit
  • No overdraft fees
  • Free access to business accounting tools
  • API access

CONS

  • No cash deposits
  • No free ATM network
  • Email-based customer service

Novo Business Checking

LEARN MORE
FDIC Insured
Rates updated as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
N/A
Monthly Fee
$0
Other Features
0% APY
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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

CONS

  • No option to deposit cash
  • No brick-and-mortar locations

Quontic Hight Interest Checking Account
LEARN MORE 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
  • No physical branches for in-person support
  • You need at least a $100 initial deposit

KeyBank Checking Account
LEARN MORE 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

U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account

LEARN MORE
Member FDIC
Rates updates as of 10/01/2024
Minimum Opening Deposit
N/A
Monthly Fee
$6.95 (can be waived)
Other Features
Large ATM network
Why We Like It

Editor's take

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.

PROS

  • Large ATM network
  • Good customer service
  • User-friendly app

CONS

  • Monthly fees (though these can be waived)
  • Doesn’t earn interest

Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
LEARN MORE 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

Chase Bank Total Checking: Best for convenience

Chase Bank Total Checking gives you access to nearly 5,000 branches and more than 15,000 ATMs, making it the best Chase checking account for convenience. If you live near a Chase branch, you can easily stop in and get personalized assistance from a teller, banker or loan officer.

Chase Bank Total Checking: An overview

APY Minimum deposit required Monthly maintenance fee
N/A $0 $12; waived if you meet certain balance or direct deposit requirements

Chase Bank Total Checking: Pros and cons

Pros Cons
✅ Thousands of brick-and-mortar locations
✅ Large ATM network
✅ Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized debit card purchases		 ❌ $12 service fee if you don’t meet the requirements to have it waived
❌ Doesn’t earn interest

Aspiration Spend & Save: Best for environmentally conscious consumers

Aspiration Spend & Save is ideal for consumers who want to protect the planet while managing their money. Every time you make a purchase with your debit card, Aspiration rounds to the nearest dollar and uses the extra funds to plant a tree. We also love that customers earn up to 10% cash back on Conscience Coalition purchases.

Aspiration Spend & Save: An overview

APY Minimum deposit required Monthly maintenance fee
1% to 3% $10 $0 for standard account; $7.99 for premium account

Aspiration Spend & Save: Pros and cons

Pros Cons
✅ Plants a tree every time you use your debit card
✅ Offers up to 10% cash back on purchases from eco-friendly retailers		 ❌ 3% APY only available with premium accounts
❌ No brick-and-mortar locations

Citibank Access Checking: Best for beginners

If you don’t have much experience managing a bank account, we recommend Citibank Access Checking. It doesn’t come with paper checks, so you don’t have to worry about balancing your checkbook. However, it does come with a debit card and other helpful account features, giving you a chance to learn how to manage your finances responsibly.

Citibank Access Checking: An overview

APY Minimum deposit required Monthly maintenance fee
N/A $0 $5; waived for the first three months; also waived for each month you have $250+ worth of Enhanced Direct Deposits

Citibank Access Checking: Pros and cons

Pros Cons
✅ More than 600 physical locations
✅ Low service fee
✅ Comes with debit card		 ❌ Doesn’t earn interest
❌ $2.50 fee for using non-Citi ATMs
❌ No check-writing privileges

PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking: Best for digital experience

The PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking account is best for consumers who want to use a credit union without sacrificing their digital experience. This account comes with a variety of tools to help you manage your finances, such as a full-featured mobile application that eliminates the need to visit a branch for most banking issues.

PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking: An overview

APY Minimum deposit required Monthly maintenance fee
0.15% for balances up to $20K; 0.35% for balances of $20K to $50K $25 $10; waived in certain circumstances

PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking: Pros and cons

Pros Cons
✅ Low monthly account fee
✅ Interest rate increases with high balance
✅ Excellent digital experience		 ❌ No welcome offer/account bonus
❌ Only 50 physical 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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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 More See Less
2

Online banks:

Some banks are online-only, which means they offer plenty of digital features to help you manage your money.

 See More See Less
3

Credit unions:

Credit unions offer some of the same services as banks, but they’re nonprofit organizations owned by their members.

 See More See Less

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Pay your opening deposit, if your bank requires one.
  3. 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?

Checking and savings accounts share some features, but they have different purposes.

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.

Our top picks for the best checking accounts of October 2024

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.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

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.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken
Blake Esken Los Angeles Times

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.

BACK TO TOP