Best Checking Accounts

Best Checking Accounts

Checking accounts are fundamental for managing day-to-day finances. They provide easy access to your money, facilitate bill payments, and often come with additional perks. Choosing the best checking account depends on your financial habits and needs. Let’s explore some of the top checking accounts available.

Ally Bank Interest Checking

Ally Bank offers an interest-bearing online checking account. No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements make it an attractive choice. Customers can earn interest on their balance, with annual percentage yields (APYs) that are competitive for checking accounts.

• No monthly fees
• ATM fee reimbursement
• Earn interest on balances
• Mobile check deposit

Ally Bank’s online model means there are no physical branches. However, they offer robust customer service via phone, email, and chat. The ATM network is vast, and they reimburse fees charged by other banks.

Chase Total Checking

Chase Total Checking is a popular choice due to its widespread branch and ATM network. This account has a monthly service fee, but it can be waived by meeting certain requirements. Direct deposits or maintaining a minimum daily balance are common ways to avoid the fee.

• Wide ATM and branch network
• Fee waiver options
• Mobile and online banking tools
• Overdraft protection

Chase provides an array of online tools and mobile app features. Their overdraft protection options can be beneficial but come with fees. This account is suitable for individuals who prefer physical banking access combined with digital conveniences.

Discover Cashback Debit

Discover’s Cashback Debit checking account offers a unique benefit: cashback on debit card purchases. There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, making it a cost-effective choice.

• No monthly fees
• 1% cashback on purchases
• Free ATM access within network
• Online and mobile banking

The cashback feature applies to up to $3,000 in purchases each month. Discover’s customer service is highly rated, and their digital tools are user-friendly. This account suits those who frequently use their debit card for purchases.

Capital One 360 Checking

Capital One 360 Checking offers a no-fee checking account with interest on balances. It’s known for having no overdraft fees if you use their free overdraft protection. This account includes access to a substantial ATM network.

• No monthly fees
• Interest on balances
• Overdraft protection with no fees
• Extensive ATM network

Capital One’s efficient customer service and comprehensive mobile app provide a seamless banking experience. This account is ideal for those who prioritize avoiding overdraft fees and earning interest.

Simple Checking Account

The Simple Checking Account stands out for its budgeting tools and financial planning features. There are no monthly fees or balance requirements, and it integrates well with budgeting apps.

• No monthly fees
• Integrated budgeting tools
• Goal-based savings features
• Interest on Protected Goals

Customers can easily set savings goals and automate transfers to meet them. The account also earns interest on amounts set aside in Protected Goals. Simple’s user experience is intuitive and beneficial for those focusing on financial management.

Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking

Charles Schwab’s High Yield Investor Checking account is paired with a Schwab brokerage account. This checking account offers a competitive interest rate and refunds ATM fees worldwide.

• No monthly fees
• Global ATM fee reimbursement
• Interest on balances
• Access to Schwab’s investing tools

The account requires opening a brokerage account, though there are no extra fees associated with the brokerage. This account is perfect for those who travel frequently and appreciate seamless access to investment tools.

PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend

PNC’s Virtual Wallet combines checking and savings with budgeting features. It includes multiple types of accounts: Spend, Reserve, and Growth. Monthly fees apply but can be waived.

• Three-account structure (Spend, Reserve, Growth)
• Fee waiver options
• Strong budgeting tools
• ATM fee reimbursement

The Spend account functions as the primary checking account. Reserve and Growth accounts help with saving and financial planning. This suite is ideal for those who appreciate a structured, feature-rich banking experience.

Citibank Basic Banking

Citibank Basic Banking offers both online and in-person banking options. The account can come with a monthly fee, which is avoidable with specific activities such as bill payments or direct deposits.

• Extensive ATM and branch network
• Fee waiver possibilities
• Online bill payment
• Mobile banking

Citibank’s services are robust, with a strong online platform and numerous physical locations. This account fits those who value face-to-face banking in combination with digital access.

KeyBank Hassle-Free Checking

KeyBank’s Hassle-Free Checking offers a straightforward approach without overdraft fees or checks. It’s designed for those who prefer a digital-first banking experience.

• No monthly fees
• No checks or overdraft fees
• Online and mobile banking
• Strong customer service

KeyBank offers a variety of digital tools for managing finances. This account suits those who prefer an entirely digital banking approach without the need for paper checks.

US Bank Easy Checking

US Bank Easy Checking provides comprehensive banking features with options to waive monthly fees. Customers can easily access physical branches and ATMs across the country.

• Fee waiver options
• Wide ATM and branch network
• Online and mobile banking tools
• Overdraft protection services

US Bank offers flexible banking solutions and strong customer service. This account is suitable for those who need a combination of physical banking access and robust digital tools.

Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking

Bank of America’s Advantage Plus Banking offers several ways to avoid the monthly maintenance fee. It’s equipped with a wide ATM and branch network, making it accessible nationwide.

• Fee waiver options
• Extensive branch and ATM network
• Online and mobile banking services
• Overdraft protection options

Bank of America provides a variety of overdraft protection options to help manage finances. This account is ideal for those seeking both physical banking access and comprehensive online tools.

TD Bank Convenience Checking

TD Bank Convenience Checking is accessible with a low minimum daily balance to waive the monthly fee. It offers extended branch hours and a robust online banking platform.

• Fee waiver options
• Extended branch hours
• Online and mobile banking tools
• Overdraft protection services

TD Bank emphasizes customer service with extended operating hours. This account suits those who need flexible access to branches alongside reliable digital banking services.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking is a straightforward, no-frills account. Customers can avoid the monthly fee through various activities like direct deposits or maintaining a minimum balance.

• Fee waiver options
• Extensive branch and ATM network
• Online and mobile banking tools
• Overdraft protection options

Wells Fargo offers a broad range of financial services and a well-established branch network. This account is perfect for those looking for a reliable, accessible banking option.

N26 Standard Account

N26 Standard is a digital checking account with no monthly fees. It offers free ATM withdrawals within the Eurozone and innovative mobile banking features.

• No monthly fees
• Integrated budgeting tools
• Free Eurozone ATM withdrawals
• Mobile banking

N26 delivers a seamless mobile banking experience with advanced budgeting and financial planning tools. This account is ideal for those comfortable with digital-only banking solutions.

Varo Bank Account

Varo Bank offers a completely online checking account with no monthly fees and early direct deposit. Customers can earn interest on savings with no minimum balance requirements.

• No monthly fees
• Early direct deposit
• No overdraft fees
• Interest on savings

Varo’s entirely digital model includes user-friendly mobile banking and financial planning tools. This account is suitable for those seeking an online-first banking experience.

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi Checking and Savings offers a combined account with no monthly fees and interest on balances. Customers can earn cash back with partner retailers and access financial planning resources.

• No monthly fees
• Interest on balances
• Cashback on purchases
• Financial planning tools

SoFi’s account combines comprehensive banking features with valuable financial tools. This account is perfect for those looking to integrate saving, spending, and financial planning.