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Best Online Checking Accounts
By: Conor Keenan Last updated October 15, 2025
Conor Keenan, co-founder of CompareAccounts, is a notable personal finance expert with work seen in Wall Street Journal | Associated Press | Reuters | Yahoo Finance
Editorial Independence: Our opinions, reviews, and recommendations are our own. Partner commissions keep our site free, but our content remains independent.
Up to $300 Bonus
- Checking & Savings Account
- No Monthly Fees
- No Overdraft Fees
- Fee-Free Overdraft Coverage Available
- Bonus: up to $300 with Direct Depositⓘ
- Set Up Direct Deposit & Access Funds up to 2 Days Sooner with Early Pay
- Access 55,000+ Fee-Free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network
- Send Money with SoFi's Peer-to-Peer Payment System
- Earn 0.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on Checking Balances
- Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +0.70% boost to 4.50% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.
- See Site for Details
1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.50% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 4.50% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
On SoFi's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Direct Deposit Benefits
- Checking Account
- Chime Visa® Debit Card
- No Monthly Fees
- No Overdraft Fees
- 24/7 Live Support with a Real Human
- Access to Over 47,000 Fee-Free ATMs at stores like Walgreens®, 7-Eleven®, CVS Pharmacy® & more
- Some Direct Deposit Benefits Include:
- MyPay®: Get up to $500 of your pay before payday. Note: Available in most but not all states
- Early Pay Access: Get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit
- SpotMe®: Overdraw your account by up to $200 on debit card purchases without incurring any fees
- Terms & Conditions Apply to The Features of this Accountⓘ
- See Site for Details
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
SpotMe disclosure: SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
Chime ATM Disclosure: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Chime Early Pay Disclosure: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
Chime MyPay® Disclosure: MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451).
To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details.
MyPay®: MyPay is a line of credit that allows members to get up to $500 of their pay anytime before payday with no interest, no credit check, and no mandatory fees. Most members’ credit limits start between $50 to $100, and can increase over time up to $500 depending on factors such as length and amount of your direct deposit activity. Members can get an advance fee-free within 24 hours or instantly for $2. MyPay is not an earned wage access product.
State Eligibility. You must live in one of the following states or the District of Columbia to be
eligible for MyPay: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia (Starting 2/19), Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
On Chime's Secure Site,
FDIC Insured
- Checking Account
- HSBC Debit Mastercard® card
- Easily open an account online
- Send and receive money with Zelle® right from the mobile app
- Manage your money safely, easily & fee-free around the world from Global Money Transfers to multi-currency needs
- Coming soon: Keep an eye out for new health and wellness services
- Earn a cash bonus, up to $3,500, when you open an HSBC Premier checking account by December 31, 2025, AND complete additional qualifying activities.
- Terms Applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
1. Q4’25 New Money Deposit Offer and Extra Cash Bonus for Mobile Registration
Offer valid from October 1, 2025, through and including December 31, 2025 (“Offer Period”). To be eligible for the offer, a customer must be a Premier2 client and have an Eligible Deposit Account open and funded by December 31, 2025.
Definitions:
“Eligible Deposit Account(s)” means a Premier checking account, Premier Savings account, and/or Premier Relationship Savings account open and funded by December 31, 2025, that is held by the client as either the sole account owner or, for joint accounts, as the first named account owner. Certificates of Deposit are not Eligible Deposit Accounts for this offer.
“New Deposits” means money not previously held in a deposit account at HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Whether money was previously held at HSBC is determined at HSBC’s discretion. New Deposits must be added to the Eligible Deposit Account(s) no later than December 31, 2025, to be counted towards this offer.
“Eligible Deposit Balance” means the total balances in the Eligible Deposit Account(s) owned by any of the client(s) named on the Eligible Deposit Account(s).
“Eligible Deposit Balance Increase” means the net balance increase in the client’s Eligible Deposit Account(s) from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
“Total Deposit Balance” means the Eligible Deposit Balance plus balances held in any other checking, savings and Certificate of Deposit accounts owned by any of the client(s) named on the Eligible Deposit Account(s).
“Total Deposit Balance Increase” means the net increase in the Total Deposit Balance from September 30, 2025 (Baseline Deposit Balance) to December 31, 2025.
“Baseline Deposit Balance” means the Total Deposit Balance as of September 30, 2025. For new clients with HSBC accounts opened after September 30, 2025, the Baseline Deposit Balance is $0.
Terms to Qualify for New Money Cash Bonus:
Client must meet each of the following requirements to qualify for the New Money Cash Bonus:
• Be a Premier client with an open Premier checking account, Premier Savings account and/or Premier Relationship Savings account as of December 31, 2025.
• Add New Deposits of $150,000 or more into a Premier checking account, Premier Savings account and/or Premier Relationship Savings account by December 31, 2025. New Deposits must result in Eligible Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025 AND Total Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more from September 30, 2025 (Baseline Deposit Balance) to December 31, 2025.
• Maintain the Eligible Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more AND Total Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more through March 31, 2026.
The New Money Cash Bonus amount is tiered and determined by the client meeting and maintaining the required balance increase in both the Eligible Deposit Account(s) AND Total Deposits:
Balance Increase: Cash Bonus
$150,000-$249,999: $1,000
$250,000-$499,999: $2,500
$500,000+: $3,500
Deposit account balances will be reviewed periodically from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, to confirm the client has met and maintained the required Eligible Deposit Balance Increase and Total Deposit Balance Increase. If the increase in either the client’s Eligible Deposit Balance or Total Deposit Balance varies between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026, the lowest of the Eligible Deposit Balance Increase and Total Deposit Balance Increase during that period will determine the client’s Cash Bonus tier.
If all offer requirements are met, the New Money Cash Bonus will be paid into the account to which your New Deposits were added. In the case that you have New Deposits across multiple accounts, the New Money Cash Bonus will be deposited by May 31, 2026, into the account with the highest amount of New Deposits during the Offer Period.
Terms to Qualify for a $25 Extra Cash Bonus
A client who has met all the requirements for the New Money Cash Bonus offer may also qualify for a $25 Extra Cash Bonus when they register and logon to the HSBC US Mobile Banking App during the Offer Period. Clients who have previously registered for mobile banking are not eligible for the $25 Extra Cash Bonus. The offer is only available to clients registering and logging into mobile banking for the first time.
If all requirements are met, the $25 Extra Cash Bonus will be deposited by May 31, 2026, into the same account which the New Money Cash Bonus was deposited.
Any payments may be subject to tax and will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as required by applicable law.
Additional Terms:
• Offer is non-transferable and available only to individuals who are at least 18 years of age with an Eligible Deposit Account. The Eligible Deposit Account(s) must be open and in good standing including meeting all the terms and conditions of the Eligible Deposit Account (including required minimum balances) at the time of the Cash Bonus fulfillment.
• All promotional offers, products, and services offered by HSBC are subject to updates, modifications, and/or termination by HSBC at any time without notice.
• Clients cannot participate in multiple offers during the Offer Period. For joint accounts, the first name on the joint account is considered the client for the Cash Bonus.
• Offer is only available to Premier clients where permitted. Offer is not available in all jurisdictions.
• If you do not wish to participate in this campaign or if you qualify for this offer and do not want to receive the Cash Bonus and/or future marketing messages for this campaign, please contact us and reference offer name: Q4’25 New Money Deposit Offer. You can Chat with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the HSBC US Mobile Banking App3 or at us.hsbc.com/chatwithus. You can call us at 1-800-622-4722 or outside the U.S. or Canada at 716-841-6866 or contact your Wealth Relationship Manager.
2. To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you need to open an HSBC Premier checking account and meet one of the below requirements. A monthly maintenance fee5 of $50 will be incurred if one of these requirements is not maintained. Refer to your ‘HSBC Premier Terms and Charges Disclosure’ for full details.
• Balances of $100,000 in combined U.S. consumer and qualifying commercial U.S. Dollar deposit and investment6 accounts; OR
• Monthly recurring direct deposits7 totaling at least $5,000 from a third party to an HSBC Premier checking account(s); OR
• Any HSBC U.S. residential mortgage loan serviced by HSBC. Home Equity products, loans that are in foreclosure or bankruptcy, and loans for which servicing rights have been transferred are not included.
3. Data rate charges from your service provider may apply. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is not responsible for these charges.
4. This information is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. For additional information on financial planning, including pricing, please read our Client Relationship Summary and Brokerage Brochure.
5. You will not be assessed a Monthly Maintenance Fee for the calendar month in which you open your account and the following 3 calendar months (together, the “Waiver Period”), whether you meet the qualifying criteria or not. If immediately after the “Waiver Period”, you have not met one of the HSBC Premier qualification criteria and your HSBC Premier checking account is charged 3 consecutive Monthly Maintenance Fees, your account will be closed. In addition, any other checking, savings, credit card and Global Money Accounts that you own will be closed, unless you (or a joint account holder on those accounts) hold a different HSBC Premier checking account.
6. Investment and annuity products are offered by HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (HSI), member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. HSI is an affiliate of HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
7. Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income) deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to this account by your employer or an outside agency (please check with your employer or outside agency to determine if they use the ACH network). Direct deposits that do not qualify include but are not limited to transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, or deposits made at a Wealth Center or ATM.
Mortgage and home equity products are offered in the U.S. by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and are only available for properties located in the U.S. Subject to credit approval. Borrowers must meet program qualifications. Programs are subject to change. Geographic and other restrictions may apply. Discounts can be canceled or are subject to change at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
Deposit products are offered in the U.S. by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
HSBC credit cards are issued by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., subject to credit approval and requires a U.S. HSBC checking account relationship. To learn more, speak with an HSBC representative.
For clients located outside of the U.S. - Our products and services are not specifically directed at individuals located in the European Union. Our U.S. representatives, as well as our public website, us.hsbc.com, provide products and services governed by U.S. laws and regulations. Our products and services, as well as their specific terms and conditions, are subject to change and may not be available in all territories or to all customers. If your product requires a contract, application, disclosure, or other document to be signed, such document(s) will be deemed executed in the U.S. and only acted upon after you have signed them and they have been received by HSBC in the U.S. If you are not located in the U.S., the laws and regulations of your country of residence could affect the offering, negotiation, discussion, provision, and/or use of HSBC U.S. products and services. If you are not a U.S. resident, please read the specific cross-border product and service disclaimers, which are available on the Cross Border Disclosure page of our public website at us.hsbc.com/crossborder.
On HSBC's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Compare With
- Checking Account
- Out of Network ATM Fee: $2.50 in US
- Monthly Fee: $12 - Waived with Qualifying Activities
- Overdraft Fee: $10 per item
- International Transaction Fee: 3%
- Check Image Service Fee: $3 per Statement
- No ATM Fee Reimbursements
- Option to Pay for Paper Checks
- If You're Not Careful, This Checking Account's Fees Cost You More Than Its Worth
Not Recommended
Not Recommended. Shown For Comparison Purposes Only.
- Checking Account
- No Monthly Maintenance Fee
- Min. Opening Deposit: $10
- Send Money with Zelle®
- KeyBank Debit Mastercard® Offers Security & Convenience
- Deposit Checks in The Mobile App
- 24-hour access to 40,000+ KeyBank & AllPoint® ATMs Nationwide
- Earn a $300 Cash Bonus: Make the Minimum Opening Deposit of $10 and a Total of $2,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within the First 90 Days of Account Opening.
- To be Bonus Eligible, You Must Open Your Account by December 19, 2025
- Account Must Not Be Closed at Time of Gift Payment
- Overdraft Protection Services Available
- Accounts are Subject to Approval
- Terms & Conditions Apply
- See Site for Details & Other Offers
On KeyBank's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
To recap our recommendations.
Best Checking Accounts According To CompareAccounts™
SoFi® Checking and Savings: Best For: Bonus + Annual Percentage Yield
Chime® Online Checking Account Details: Best For: Direct Deposit Benefits
HSBC Premier Checking Account: Best For: Global Banking with Personalized Wealth Support
Key Smart Checking® Account: Best For: Mobile Banking + Bonus
Up to $300 Bonus
On SoFi's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: Bonus + Annual Percentage Yield
SoFi redefines banking with a commitment to no fees—no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no account minimums.
Bonus: up to $300 with direct deposit.ⓘ
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy a limited time offer: New account holders earn +0.70% boost to 4.50% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit and 0.50% APY on checking balances, fee-free overdraft coverage up to $50 and access your direct deposit funds up to two days early, giving you greater financial flexibility. Terms apply.
Withdraw cash without fees using your SoFi Debit Mastercard® from a network of 55,000+ ATMs, and make transactions seamless with SoFi’s intuitive, mobile-first banking. Use the app to transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks, or track your savings—all at your fingertips.
Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, ensuring your money stays safe and secure.
1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.50% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 4.50% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Direct Deposit Benefits
On Chime's Secure Site,
FDIC Insured
Best For: Direct Deposit Benefits
The Chime® Online Checking Account is designed to maximize the benefits of direct deposit and empower your financial journey.
- Early Pay Access: Set up direct deposit with Chime and receive your paycheck up to two days earlier, giving you quicker access to your hard-earned money.
- Fee-Free Overdraft Protection: Qualify for SpotMe®, allowing you to overdraw your account by up to $200 on debit card purchases without incurring any fees.
- MyPay® Access: Enjoy financial flexibility with MyPay™, enabling you to access up to $500 of your pay before the scheduled payday. Note: Available in most but not all states.
- Extensive Fee-Free ATM Network: Access over 47,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, stores like Walgreens®, 7-Eleven®, CVS Pharmacy® & more, ensuring you can withdraw cash conveniently without additional charges.
- No Hidden Fees: Enjoy banking with no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees, allowing you to keep more of your money.
Customer service is available offering 24/7 live support with a real human.
Open your account for free in 2 minutes or less. Terms & conditions apply to the features of this account.ⓘ
See Chime's Secure Site For More Details.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
SpotMe disclosure: SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
Chime ATM Disclosure: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Chime Early Pay Disclosure: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
Chime MyPay® Disclosure: MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451).
To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details.
MyPay®: MyPay is a line of credit that allows members to get up to $500 of their pay anytime before payday with no interest, no credit check, and no mandatory fees. Most members’ credit limits start between $50 to $100, and can increase over time up to $500 depending on factors such as length and amount of your direct deposit activity. Members can get an advance fee-free within 24 hours or instantly for $2. MyPay is not an earned wage access product.
State Eligibility. You must live in one of the following states or the District of Columbia to be
eligible for MyPay: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia (Starting 2/19), Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Checking Account
- HSBC Debit Mastercard® card
- Easily open an account online
- Send and receive money with Zelle® right from the mobile app
- Manage your money safely, easily & fee-free around the world from Global Money Transfers to multi-currency needs
- Coming soon: Keep an eye out for new health and wellness services
- Earn a cash bonus, up to $3,500, when you open an HSBC Premier checking account by December 31, 2025, AND complete additional qualifying activities.
- Terms Applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
1. Q4’25 New Money Deposit Offer and Extra Cash Bonus for Mobile Registration
Offer valid from October 1, 2025, through and including December 31, 2025 (“Offer Period”). To be eligible for the offer, a customer must be a Premier2 client and have an Eligible Deposit Account open and funded by December 31, 2025.
Definitions:
“Eligible Deposit Account(s)” means a Premier checking account, Premier Savings account, and/or Premier Relationship Savings account open and funded by December 31, 2025, that is held by the client as either the sole account owner or, for joint accounts, as the first named account owner. Certificates of Deposit are not Eligible Deposit Accounts for this offer.
“New Deposits” means money not previously held in a deposit account at HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Whether money was previously held at HSBC is determined at HSBC’s discretion. New Deposits must be added to the Eligible Deposit Account(s) no later than December 31, 2025, to be counted towards this offer.
“Eligible Deposit Balance” means the total balances in the Eligible Deposit Account(s) owned by any of the client(s) named on the Eligible Deposit Account(s).
“Eligible Deposit Balance Increase” means the net balance increase in the client’s Eligible Deposit Account(s) from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
“Total Deposit Balance” means the Eligible Deposit Balance plus balances held in any other checking, savings and Certificate of Deposit accounts owned by any of the client(s) named on the Eligible Deposit Account(s).
“Total Deposit Balance Increase” means the net increase in the Total Deposit Balance from September 30, 2025 (Baseline Deposit Balance) to December 31, 2025.
“Baseline Deposit Balance” means the Total Deposit Balance as of September 30, 2025. For new clients with HSBC accounts opened after September 30, 2025, the Baseline Deposit Balance is $0.
Terms to Qualify for New Money Cash Bonus:
Client must meet each of the following requirements to qualify for the New Money Cash Bonus:
• Be a Premier client with an open Premier checking account, Premier Savings account and/or Premier Relationship Savings account as of December 31, 2025.
• Add New Deposits of $150,000 or more into a Premier checking account, Premier Savings account and/or Premier Relationship Savings account by December 31, 2025. New Deposits must result in Eligible Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025 AND Total Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more from September 30, 2025 (Baseline Deposit Balance) to December 31, 2025.
• Maintain the Eligible Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more AND Total Deposit Balance Increase of $150,000 or more through March 31, 2026.
The New Money Cash Bonus amount is tiered and determined by the client meeting and maintaining the required balance increase in both the Eligible Deposit Account(s) AND Total Deposits:
Balance Increase: Cash Bonus
$150,000-$249,999: $1,000
$250,000-$499,999: $2,500
$500,000+: $3,500
Deposit account balances will be reviewed periodically from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, to confirm the client has met and maintained the required Eligible Deposit Balance Increase and Total Deposit Balance Increase. If the increase in either the client’s Eligible Deposit Balance or Total Deposit Balance varies between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026, the lowest of the Eligible Deposit Balance Increase and Total Deposit Balance Increase during that period will determine the client’s Cash Bonus tier.
If all offer requirements are met, the New Money Cash Bonus will be paid into the account to which your New Deposits were added. In the case that you have New Deposits across multiple accounts, the New Money Cash Bonus will be deposited by May 31, 2026, into the account with the highest amount of New Deposits during the Offer Period.
Terms to Qualify for a $25 Extra Cash Bonus
A client who has met all the requirements for the New Money Cash Bonus offer may also qualify for a $25 Extra Cash Bonus when they register and logon to the HSBC US Mobile Banking App during the Offer Period. Clients who have previously registered for mobile banking are not eligible for the $25 Extra Cash Bonus. The offer is only available to clients registering and logging into mobile banking for the first time.
If all requirements are met, the $25 Extra Cash Bonus will be deposited by May 31, 2026, into the same account which the New Money Cash Bonus was deposited.
Any payments may be subject to tax and will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as required by applicable law.
Additional Terms:
• Offer is non-transferable and available only to individuals who are at least 18 years of age with an Eligible Deposit Account. The Eligible Deposit Account(s) must be open and in good standing including meeting all the terms and conditions of the Eligible Deposit Account (including required minimum balances) at the time of the Cash Bonus fulfillment.
• All promotional offers, products, and services offered by HSBC are subject to updates, modifications, and/or termination by HSBC at any time without notice.
• Clients cannot participate in multiple offers during the Offer Period. For joint accounts, the first name on the joint account is considered the client for the Cash Bonus.
• Offer is only available to Premier clients where permitted. Offer is not available in all jurisdictions.
• If you do not wish to participate in this campaign or if you qualify for this offer and do not want to receive the Cash Bonus and/or future marketing messages for this campaign, please contact us and reference offer name: Q4’25 New Money Deposit Offer. You can Chat with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the HSBC US Mobile Banking App3 or at us.hsbc.com/chatwithus. You can call us at 1-800-622-4722 or outside the U.S. or Canada at 716-841-6866 or contact your Wealth Relationship Manager.
2. To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you need to open an HSBC Premier checking account and meet one of the below requirements. A monthly maintenance fee5 of $50 will be incurred if one of these requirements is not maintained. Refer to your ‘HSBC Premier Terms and Charges Disclosure’ for full details.
• Balances of $100,000 in combined U.S. consumer and qualifying commercial U.S. Dollar deposit and investment6 accounts; OR
• Monthly recurring direct deposits7 totaling at least $5,000 from a third party to an HSBC Premier checking account(s); OR
• Any HSBC U.S. residential mortgage loan serviced by HSBC. Home Equity products, loans that are in foreclosure or bankruptcy, and loans for which servicing rights have been transferred are not included.
3. Data rate charges from your service provider may apply. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is not responsible for these charges.
4. This information is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. For additional information on financial planning, including pricing, please read our Client Relationship Summary and Brokerage Brochure.
5. You will not be assessed a Monthly Maintenance Fee for the calendar month in which you open your account and the following 3 calendar months (together, the “Waiver Period”), whether you meet the qualifying criteria or not. If immediately after the “Waiver Period”, you have not met one of the HSBC Premier qualification criteria and your HSBC Premier checking account is charged 3 consecutive Monthly Maintenance Fees, your account will be closed. In addition, any other checking, savings, credit card and Global Money Accounts that you own will be closed, unless you (or a joint account holder on those accounts) hold a different HSBC Premier checking account.
6. Investment and annuity products are offered by HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (HSI), member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. HSI is an affiliate of HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
7. Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income) deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to this account by your employer or an outside agency (please check with your employer or outside agency to determine if they use the ACH network). Direct deposits that do not qualify include but are not limited to transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, or deposits made at a Wealth Center or ATM.
Mortgage and home equity products are offered in the U.S. by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and are only available for properties located in the U.S. Subject to credit approval. Borrowers must meet program qualifications. Programs are subject to change. Geographic and other restrictions may apply. Discounts can be canceled or are subject to change at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
Deposit products are offered in the U.S. by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
HSBC credit cards are issued by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., subject to credit approval and requires a U.S. HSBC checking account relationship. To learn more, speak with an HSBC representative.
For clients located outside of the U.S. - Our products and services are not specifically directed at individuals located in the European Union. Our U.S. representatives, as well as our public website, us.hsbc.com, provide products and services governed by U.S. laws and regulations. Our products and services, as well as their specific terms and conditions, are subject to change and may not be available in all territories or to all customers. If your product requires a contract, application, disclosure, or other document to be signed, such document(s) will be deemed executed in the U.S. and only acted upon after you have signed them and they have been received by HSBC in the U.S. If you are not located in the U.S., the laws and regulations of your country of residence could affect the offering, negotiation, discussion, provision, and/or use of HSBC U.S. products and services. If you are not a U.S. resident, please read the specific cross-border product and service disclaimers, which are available on the Cross Border Disclosure page of our public website at us.hsbc.com/crossborder.
On HSBC's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
$300 Bonus
On KeyBank's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: Mobile Banking + Bonus
New Key Smart Checking® customers can earn a $300 Cash Bonus when you make the minimum opening deposit of $10 and a total of $2,000 or more in eligible direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening. To be bonus eligible, you need to open your account online by December 19, 2025. Account must not be closed at time of gift payment.
This account offers no monthly maintenance fee, available overdraft protection services & access to 40,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide with your KeyBank Debit Mastercard®.
Additionally, this account offers relationship benefits like better interest rates on savings and money market accounts, more cash back, loan discounts and more.
Early Pay means you could get paid up to two days early with eligible direct deposits to a KeyBank account.
With secure online & mobile banking you can deposit checks in the mobile app, pay bills, send money, lock/unlock cards and more.
The KeyBank Enhanced Debit Mastercard® offers chip security, Tap & Go technology and all the benefits of Mastercard.
Easy direct deposit set up can have your paychecks or other recurring payments automatically deposited to your KeyBank account quickly and securely.
Accounts are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Overall, this is an excellent account from a respected bank with over $187 Billion in assets.
See KeyBank's Secure Site For More Details & Other Offers.
Customers Also Viewed These High Yield Savings Accounts:
Best For: High APY Interest Rates
Western Alliance Bank offers 4.10% APY exclusively through the Raisin Platform.
This APY is substantially higher than what you’ll find at most brick-and-mortar banks and even most online banks.
In addition to this high APY, Western Alliance offers $0 monthly maintenance fees, unlimited withdrawals, and is insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor.
Customer service is located in New York, NY and is available via email and phone. You'll have online access to your funds 24/7.
Western Alliance Bank is consistenly ranked among the top banks. The bank has over $80 Billion in Assets and were ranked #1 top-performing large bank with assets greater than $50 billion in 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 by American Banker. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens.
Limited Time Offer: New customers can earn a $75 bonus for $10K, $250 bonus for $25K, $500 bonus for $50K deposited or $1,000 bonus for $100K deposited or more. Use promo code EASY at sign-up.
See Raisin's Secure Site for Western Alliance Bank For More Details.
What to Look for in a Checking Account
It’s always wise to compare your options when opening a new checking account.
Here are the top features to look for and compare:
1. Ease of Setting Up
Your checking account should be where you setup your direct deposit and where you pay bills from. Because of this, it needs to be easy to open an account, set up your direct deposit, and set up payees to pay bills.
All of the checking accounts we recommend have these features.
2. Monthly Fees
Monthly fees can eat into your paycheck fast. You should avoid them as much as possible. That’s why we recommend you focus on no monthly fee checking accounts to keep as much as your pay check as possible.
3. Required Initial Deposit
Does the bank require a large initial deposit? Are you comfortable depositing that much right away? These days, most banks will allow you to open an account with as little as $1 or even $0 dollars.
Some banks may offer a higher yield with a higher initial deposit. You’ll just need to decide whether that higher initial deposit will be worth any increase in yield.
4. Minimum Balance Required
Minimum balance required to maintain your account is another feature to keep a close eye on.
Most of the banks we recommend do not have large minimum balance requirements, if any minimum balance requirement at all.
The accounts we do recommend that have a higher minimum required balance are usually CD accounts, which you don’t want to open unless you want to lock up your money for 6 months, 12 months or longer.
5. Accessing Your Money
Accessing your money is very important with any checking account.
Almost all of the checking accounts we recommend come with a mobile app that gives you 24/7 access to your accounts.
Additionally, banks will issue a debit card for your checking account, that you can use physically, virtually, or contactless payments through your wallet app.
6. Transferring Your Money
As important as it is to access your accounts, you’ll likely need to transfer money in and out of your checking account often.
That’s why its important to pay attention to features like transfer or peer to peer payments with Zelle®.
7. Mobile Check Deposit
If you can’t set up direct deposit, or if sometimes you get paper checks having mobile check deposit will allow you to deposit checks into your account from anywhere.
Most checking accounts we recommend comes with mobile check deposit.
8. Overdraft Fees
Things happen. Sometimes we pay a bill or make a purchase that is more than the money in our accounts. Normally, this would incur an overdraft fee, usually these fees range betwen $25 – $50.
Most of the checking accounts we recommend do not have overdraft fees, because the last thing you need when you don’t have enough money in your account is another fee to pay.
With the above in mind, now you’re more confident to choose the right checking account for you.