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Best Checking Accounts for Online Banking
By: Conor Keenan, AWMA® | Updated: November 13, 2026 | We check the rates shown against the providers’ published information. Rates and terms can change. Use the links below to visit each provider’s website for current rates, requirements, and full offer details.
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® designee with 10+ years covering banking & investing. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters & Yahoo Finance.
Editorial Independence: Opinions, recommendations, and reviews are our own. Partner commissions help keep our site free. They do not influence our editorial content.
Right now, banks are offering some of the best checking deals in decades. It's your time to cash in on these online banking offers.
Up to $400 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 $400 with direct deposit.ⓘ
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy a limited time offer: New account holders earn +0.90% boost to 4.40% 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. Earn a $50 or $400 bonus with direct deposit, terms apply.
1. $50 or $400 Bonus
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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. 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 3.30% 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 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank 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 depositor 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 $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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 may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. 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 a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 1.10% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Compare With
Not Recommended
Not Recommended. Shown For Comparison Purposes Only.
Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the United States and also offers a one of the worst checking accounts.
They require a minimum monthly balance of $20,000 to avoid a $25 monthly maintenance fee and will charge you $35 per overdraft item up to 3 fees per day.
One of the few benefits of this account is Wells Fargo will reimburse the ATM fee for any non-Wells Fargo ATM, albeit only once per period in the US.
Because of the high fees with almost no benefits, we don't recommend you opening a checking account with Wells Fargo.
Compare With
Not Recommended
Not Recommended. Shown For Comparison Purposes Only.
Bank of America, another large bank that offers a lack luster checking account.
Although they offer some benefits like Zelle® and mobile deposits, they'll charge you a $12 monthly maintenance fee and a $10 over draft fee per item that can outweigh the benefits.
You can avoid the monthly fee by having a daily average balance of $1,500 or being a Preferred Rewards member, but you need a balance of $20,000 or more to be in the lowest tier of their Preferred Rewards program.
Because there are better options on this page to avoid fees from trusted banks, we don't recommend you opening a checking account with Bank of America.
To recap our recommendations.
Best Checking Accounts According To CompareAccounts™
SoFi® Checking and Savings: 4.40% APY & Earn up to $400 with qualifying activities
STILL COMPARING?
A cash bonus.
A savings boost.
Explore SoFi Checking and Savings.
with Direct Deposit①
with Eligible Direct Deposit
Limited Time Offer: +1.10% boost on new accounts with Eligible Direct Deposit.
① Bonus eligibility and Direct Deposit requirements apply. APY is variable. See SoFi for full offer terms.
Customers Also Viewed These High-Yield Savings Accounts
High APY
4.30% APY
90-Day Rate Lock
On Western Alliance Bank's
Secure Site Powered by Raisin,
Member FDIC
Best For: High APY + 90 Day Rate Lock
Ranked #1 Best Bank in Arizona - Forbes 2026
Western Alliance Bank was founded in 1994, has over $80 billion in assets and is consistently ranked among the top banks.
They have been ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker & Bank Director since 2016.
Western Alliance Bank currently offers an exclusive 4.30% APY for 90 days from funds posting through the Raisin Platform.
After the rate-lock period ends, the current APY is 4.00% APY.
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.
Individual and joint accounts are available.
U.S. based customer service is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday - Friday. You'll have online access to your funds 24/7.
See Raisin's Secure Site for Western Alliance Bank For More Details.
Up to $400 Bonus
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.40% APY
with qualifying activities
On SoFi®'s Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: Bonus Seekers + Large Deposits
SoFi redefines banking with a commitment to no fees—no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no account minimums.
Bonus: up to $400 with direct deposit.ⓘ
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy up to 4.40% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances with qualifying activities 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ⓘ.
The current savings APY without direct deposit or $5,000+ in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period is 0.80%. Although this is still higher than the national average, if you don't plan on setting up direct deposit or depositing $5,000+, you should look at the other offers on this list.
Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor and you can also access up to $3,000,000 of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks. Ensuring your money stays safe and secure. Earn a $50 or $400 bonus with direct deposit, terms apply.
Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +1.10% boost to 4.40% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.
1. $50 or $400 Bonus
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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. 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 3.30% 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 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank 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 depositor 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 $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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 may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. 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 a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 1.10% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
What to Look for in a Checking Account
It’s always wise to compare your options when opening a new checking account.
Small differences in interest rates and fees can quickly add up over time.
Here are the top features to look for and compare:
Affordability: One should prioritize checking accounts with minimal or no fees. Regular monthly charges, transaction fees, and ATM fees can add up, making no-cost or low-cost banking an appealing feature.
Accessibility: A good checking account offers easy access to funds. This includes a vast ATM network, convenient online transfers, and comprehensive mobile banking options.
Digital Banking Experience: In today's digital age, a top-tier online and mobile banking platform is essential. One should look for intuitive interfaces, secure transactions, and a variety of digital features.
Robust Security: The safety of funds should be a priority. Prospective account holders should ensure that the bank has stringent security measures and offers protection against unauthorized transactions.
Overdraft Solutions: Overdraft protection can be a lifesaver for many. It's beneficial to find accounts that offer features to prevent hefty overdraft charges or provide low-cost alternatives to cover accidental overdraws.
Competitive Interest Rates: While not common for all checking accounts, some do provide interest on the balances. Even modest interest rates can be a welcome perk.
Customer Support: Stellar customer service can make all the difference. Whether it's a quick query or an urgent issue, efficient, friendly, and accessible customer support can be invaluable.
Account Perks: Some checking accounts offer additional benefits. These can range from cashback rewards to discounts with partnering businesses. It's worth exploring these added bonuses.
Minimum Balance Clauses: An ideal checking account should have lenient or no minimum balance requirements. This ensures that account holders aren't penalized or restricted due to their account balance.
Transparency: Finally, the terms and conditions governing the account should be clear and understandable. Potential account holders should steer clear of accounts with hidden clauses or ambiguous language, seeking instead those institutions that prioritize clarity and transparency.
While the perfect checking account might vary based on individual preferences, this guide offers a roadmap for anyone looking to make an informed choice.
*National Savings Rate Average as published by FDIC