Spending rewards, savings bonuses, or bank promotions can be major deciding factors when opening a new online account. Compare our top options here.
Earn 7x the national checking rate¹chose an account with BestMoney this month
Earn 7x the national checking rate¹Bank promotions usually come in the form of a one-time perk of a cash bonus for opening a new bank account. In order to qualify for a bank promotion you might be required to deposit a certain amount of money into your account per month for a number of months or maintain a minimum balance. Bank promotions, or reward banking, are powerful incentives for choosing one account over another.
It's no surprise that 80% of Americans would rather bank digitally than visit brick-and-mortar banks. Online banking is simple, fast, convenient, and can be done anywhere, anytime. Not only do you have several banking options at your fingertips, but online banks provide all, if not more, convenient resources than traditional banks. If you are new to the idea of taking your checking and savings account fully virtual, this guide will answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease.
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| Bank | APY | 24/7 Support | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 3.50% | Yes | Visit Site |
*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
Q: What Are the Downsides of Having Online Banks?
A: The biggest drawback of online banking is the liquidity of your money. Yes, you can easily use an ATM to pull out a few hundred dollars, but if you need to access $700 or more same-day, that can be an issue. One way to get around this is to choose an online bank with traditional bank locations too.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Net Banking and Mobile Banking?
A: Mobile banking is a convenient add-on for most banks. Depending on your bank, mobile banking might be limited, but most apps should allow for check deposit, account monitoring and quick bill pay. Net banking, or online banking, can refer to using your bank’s website on a personal computer rather than banking through an app. It can also refer to online-only banking where you perform all of your banking functions and purchase products via the web.
Q: Are Online Banks Safe?
A: Yes! Online banks, like traditional banks, are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. However, all banks and even credit cards with online access can be vulnerable to fraudulent conduct if a hacker gets to your account.
The easiest way to protect your account is to avoid clicking on links in any emails you receive about your bank. Scammers are notorious for sending emails that look like they came from your bank and usually make you want to click a link quickly. If you are unsure if an email is real, check the sender’s email address, not just the name. Then close the email and open up a new window and access your online bank account.
Q: How Can I Secure My Online Bank Account?
A: Choosing a unique and strong password is an excellent start to keeping your online bank account secure. If possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication. It takes longer to sign in, but offers another layer of security. Another essential step to keeping your bank account secure is to never log in to your bank account through someone else’s computer or through public Wi-Fi. If you need to check your bank account while at a local coffee shop, do it with your phone either through phone data or the app.
Online banks offer a fleet of services to help you stay on top of your money management and achieve your financial goals. Here are features you can expect no matter which online bank you choose:
Now is the time to reap the benefits of online banking. Even if you just use an online bank for a savings account, you will quickly see the perks of higher APY and have many money market accounts to select.
Chime* is an award-winning financial app and debit card. With Chime, you can choose a spending and savings account and rest easy when reaching your financial goals while knowing your money is FDIC-insured.
*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
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SoFi is an online bank founded in 2011. It provides a variety of banking services, including credit cards, mortgages, investments, loans, and of course, bank accounts. SoFi Checking and Savings provides a competitive APY, and comes with no fees.
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Discover® Bank dates back to 1911 and offers a range of services to customers, including bank accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and more. The Discover Cashback Debit is a no-fee checking account that offers 1% cash back. (See website for details.)
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1. 7x based on FDIC monthly interest checking rate as of December 15, 2025.
2. 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 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
3. 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. 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 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
4. 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 http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/
5. 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.
SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
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.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services for the Chime Checking Account are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.
Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply.
‡SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.
Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, 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 Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's or its banking partners' discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won't cover non-card transactions. Spot Me on Chime Card Terms and Conditions.
^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.
-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.
1. Bank ranking and number of ATMs according to U.S. News & World Report® 2023.
2. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian in January 2024, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
3. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
4. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
1. We give access to direct deposits from employer & government payers on the day we receive them, typically up to 2 days earlier than your scheduled pay date.
2. The Varo Line of Credit (VLOC) is a short term loan with credit limits ranging from $600 - $2000. A flat fee of $60 to $400 is assessed with each advanced based on the amount. Once qualified your credit limit may fluctuate based on a variety of factors. You may only take on VLOC advance out at a time. Eligibility and/or credit limit information is available in the Varo App. Quals apply.
3. Varo Believe is a secured credit card designed to help you build credit; however, a variety of factors impact your credit and not all factors are equally weighted. You must add money before using, money added sets the spending limit. Funds spent are held in your Varo Believe Secured Account to pay off any balance in full monthly, when due. Quals apply. The Varo Visa® Believe Card is issued by Varo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc
OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Builder Cards through OneProgress Services LLC (NMLS ID 2460509) are issued by banking partners Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
OnePay does not provide tax advice or tax services. Tax e-file services through OnePay are provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. (“april”).
april supports the filing of federal, state and certain local taxes. You should consult a qualified tax professional for questions about your specific circumstances.
1. 3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.35% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.35% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 10/7/2025, but may change at any time before or after account opening.
2. Only available to customers who either (i) received $500+ in direct deposits or (ii) had a total balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. See OnePay Rewards Terms.
3. Available to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ as of the last day of the previous month. You must be 18 or older to receive Overdraft Protection. When on, Savings Backup will be used before Overdraft Protection. Overdraft balance is due right away. Transactions eligible for Overdraft Protection are at the discretion of OnePay and may exclude certain transactions (e.g., bill pay, global transfers). See details.
4. Only applies to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. For all other ATM transactions the OnePay ATM Fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.
5. Direct Deposit is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data.
6. Builder Card is designed to help you build credit by reporting your Builder Card activity to TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, unless you opt out. Any changes to your credit score are independently determined and based on your overall financial behavior. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. Transactions using your virtual debit card are not reported. See Licenses: https://www.onepay.com/legal/licenses.
*You will not be eligible for the offer if you or any signer on the new account has an existing PNC Bank consumer checking account, or have closed an account within the past 12 months, or if you have been a primary signer on a consumer checking account that has received a PNC promotional premium in the past 24 months. If multiple accounts are opened with the same signers, only one account will be eligible for the premium. Trust, Estate, and other specialty titled accounts are excluded from this offer.You may earn a $400 reward if you open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select or a $100 reward if you open new Virtual Wallet and meet all qualifying conditions. After you open a checking product, you must remain in that product to receive the corresponding reward; changing your checking product after account opening could result in your offer eligibility, terms, and corresponding reward amount changing.Offer is valid 2/27/2026 through 5/28/2026 and may be extended, modified, or discontinued at any time and may vary by market. PNC Bank may have other checking offers with different terms.To receive the reward:1) Open a new, eligible PNC checking product online via the application links on this page. 2) Set up and receive total qualifying direct deposit(s) within the first 60 days. A qualifying direct deposit for this offer is defined as a recurring direct deposit of a paycheck, pension, Social Security, or other regular income electronically deposited by an employer or an outside agency into the Spend account. The total amount of all qualifying direct deposits received into your Spend account must be at least $500 for Virtual Wallet or $5,000 for Virtual Wallet with Performance Select. Credit card cash advance transfers, wire transfers, person-to-person transfers, transfers from one account to another, or deposits made at a branch, ATM, mobile device or through the mail do not qualify as qualifying direct deposits.The reward will be credited to the eligible account 60–90 days after all conditions have been met and identified as “Credits Check Reward” on your monthly statement. The eligible account must remain open to receive the reward. The value of the reward may be reported on the appropriate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms and may be considered taxable income to you. Please consult your tax adviser.Visit PNC.com/locator to find a PNC or Partner ATM near you where PNC customers can access money fee-free. Partner ATMs are not owned by PNC and may be limited to cash withdrawal functionality.Virtual Wallet with Performance Select includes no charge for using other banks' domestic or international ATMs and up to $10 fee reimbursement per statement cycle for other banks' ATM surcharge fees.Low Cash Mode is only available on the Spend account of your Virtual Wallet product.
The offer is for new checking customers only. Offer expires 05/31/2026. To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Earn $100 with $2,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $300 with $5,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $500 with $10,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are NOT ELIGIBLE for this offer. Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days. Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
*Qualifying Direct Deposits are direct deposits of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account routing numbers that you provide.
1. The savings dividend provides an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 3.01%. The APY is accurate as of the 1/22/2026 dividend declaration date. Dividends are paid on the last day of the month to accountholders who have maintained an average daily balance of $100 or more. Savings dividend may change after account is opened and is subject to change at any time. Dividend applies to Savings, Supplemental Savings, Emergency Savings, Kids Savings Accounts, UTMA Custodial Accounts, Trust Accounts and IRA. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
2. Overdraft protection is optional. You must opt in to benefit from this free service and you can unenroll at any time. Alliant's overdraft protection program honors your overdrafts on your checking account when you don’t have enough money in your Alliant checking account to cover a transaction, provided you have enough money in your Alliant Savings or Supplemental Savings Account. To do so, we automatically transfer funds from your Alliant Savings or Supplemental Savings Account to your Alliant checking account to cover your overdrafts. Overdraft protection does not cover ATM transactions.
Courtesy Pay is a discretionary "courtesy" overdraft service. There is no fee to enroll in or use the Courtesy Pay service and you can unenroll at any time. To be eligible for Courtesy Pay, members must be in good standing and have an Alliant checking account that has been open for at least six months. Other eligibility factors are risk-based and determined by Alliant using internal and confidential information, including your account history. To qualify to use Courtesy Pay, eligible members must have qualifying deposits totaling at least $600 into their Alliant checking account in the previous 30 days. Standard Courtesy Pay may pay checks and ACH electronic items that would not have not cleared otherwise due to insufficient funds, up to an approved limit. The full amount of the overdraft balance will be due immediately but in no event more than 30 days from the date of the occurrence at which time Courtesy Pay privileges will be suspended and possibly terminated. If you opt in for extended coverage, Courtesy Pay may also cover everyday debit transactions on your Alliant Visa debit card that would not have cleared otherwise due to insufficient funds, up to an approved limit. See the Alliant Account Agreement and Disclosures and the Courtesy Pay Disclosure for details and the Fee Schedule for a list of fees. Courtesy Pay does not cover ATM transactions.
3. Transactions performed at other ATMs may be subject to the ATM owner’s surcharge fee. Please see the online ATM Locator at www.alliantcreditunion.com or our mobile banking app for a list of ATMs that accept deposits or are surcharge-free. Not all ATMs accept deposits.Alliant will rebate ATM fees up to $20 per month per membership account when you use your Alliant Visa Debit Card to make a deposit, withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry. The rebate does not apply to cash advances from Alliant Visa credit cards through ATMs nor to the Alliant Savings ATM Card and Visa International Service Assessment (ISA) fee, referenced as the foreign transaction fee on account statements. Not all ATMs accept deposits.
