Best Checking Accounts According CompareAccounts™
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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
- Earn up to 4.50% APY on Savings Balances with Qualifying Activities
- 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
- Checking Account
- HSBC Debit Mastercard® card
- Easily open an account online, from the comfort of your home
- Manage your banking needs across different time zones, with 24/7 support
- Manage your money around the world - from global transfers to multi-currency needs
- Investment support: Your HSBC Wealth Relationship Manager is available to discuss your portfolio and financial goals
- Earn one or more cash bonuses, up to $3,000, when you open an HSBC Premier checking account by September 30, 2025, AND complete additional qualifying activities.
- See Site for Details
On HSBC's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
- Checking Account
- No Monthly Fees with Paperless Statements
- Send Money with Zelle®
- Overdraft Protection Services Available
- 40,000+ Fee-Free ATMs Nationwide
- BMO Debit Mastercard® Offers Security & Convenience with Excellent Benefits
- Earn a $400 Cash Bonus*
- To be bonus* eligible, you must open your account & complete qualifying activites between 9/9/25 - 1/28/26
- *Conditions apply. Accounts are Subject to Approval and are Provided in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A., Member FDIC
- See Site for Details & Other Offers
On BMO'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
- 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
- Checking Account
- Chip Enabled Debit Card
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- No Monthly Fees
- Deposit Checks via Mobile App
- Earn up to 0.25% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) with $25,000 Minimum Balance
- Terms Applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
eChecking Disclosure
The Annual Percentage Yields (APY) and interest rates are effective as of September 23, 2025. Fees may reduce earnings. Checking APYs and interest rates are variable and may change at any time without prior notice, including after account opening. The minimum opening deposit for eChecking is $100. See Fee Schedule and Agreement for Personal Accounts for details.
To obtain the interest rate and APY disclosed, the minimum balance for the applicable balance tier must be maintained.
Must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle.
Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle.
Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
The Apple Pay logo and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. The Samsung Pay logo and Samsung are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures. https://cit-fcb-t.cit.com/cit-bank/resources/forms
On CIT Bank'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
HSBC Premier Checking Account: Best For: Global Banking with Personalized Wealth Support
BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account: Best For: No Monthly Fees + Bonus*
Chime® Online Checking Account Details: Best For: Direct Deposit Benefits
Key Smart Checking® Account: Best For: Mobile Banking + Bonus
CIT Bank® eChecking Account: Best For ATM Rebates
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.